{"id":57917,"date":"2026-06-25T11:51:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T15:51:15","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-07-06T11:36:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T15:36:16","slug":"business-owners-are-on-the-verge-of-burnout-3-warning-signs-and-what-to-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/right-sized-business-advice\/small-business\/business-owners-are-on-the-verge-of-burnout-3-warning-signs-and-what-to-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Business owners are on the verge of burnout: 3 warning signs and what to do about it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tldr\">TLDR<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burnout is widespread among business owners. Persistent exhaustion that sleep doesn&#8217;t fix, growing irritability and cynicism toward others, and a noticeable uptick in mistakes are all early indicators to take seriously.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Embracing vulnerability and having real conversations with others can reduce the cognitive load of &#8220;wearing a mask&#8221; and help you feel seen.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protect time for solitude and daily resets (a walk outside, music, sleep, exercise), and try to focus on what&#8217;s going well.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaker and scholar Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, leadership and personal wellness in the workplace, reveals small business owners are struggling with their mental health. In a recent conversation, she notes business owners are experiencing high levels of stress and exhaustion, which can impact both wellness and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-owners-aren-t-putting-on-their-own-oxygen-mask-first\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Owners aren\u2019t putting on their own \u201coxygen mask\u201d first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat I\u2019ve noticed over the last few years with business owners is there is a continued propensity to put the needs of their staff and their teams ahead of their own emotional and mental health,\u201d says Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. While such tendencies were true before, it leveled up during the challenging economic season. And today, as owners remain concerned about their people, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe is seeing the behaviour bubble up again. \u201cIt becomes a really challenging load to carry with just two hands,\u201d she says, adding that because owners are shouldering the weight of their businesses and caring for their employees while depleted and tired themselves, they are running the risk of burning out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the problem is that putting employee needs ahead of one\u2019s own is part of the narrative of being a business owner. \u201cIt is what is expected,\u201d says Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. \u201cOwners feel this sacrifice is necessary to do to be a good leader and a good business owner.\u201d At the same time, she admits that there is also the reality that if owners don\u2019t take on the work, pressure and responsibility, no one else will. \u201cThere is an enormous amount of pressure when you\u2019re betting on yourself, your skill sets, your talents and your gifts,\u201d she says. \u201cNo one will care about it with the same diligence as you, because you\u2019re all in \u2013 you don\u2019t have the option of taking a day off or stepping back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-happens-when-self-care-slides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when self-care slides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, there are several negative consequences to continuously prioritizing others\u2019 needs \u2013 and the needs of the business \u2013 over one\u2019s own. \u201cThe biggest takeaway is that your wellness will suffer \u2013 your physical health, emotional health and even relationships will start to suffer,\u201d explains Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. \u201cYour quality of life is deeply and negatively impacted when there isn\u2019t time taken to recover, recharge and reset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t news to a lot of business owners, who understand the importance of taking care of themselves. \u201cBut there is often a gap between what we know and what we do,\u201d shares Dr. Hanley-Dafoe, who has studied the phenomenon of knowing better doesn\u2019t also mean doing better. \u201cPeople are very aware of what it takes to feel healthy, but there\u2019s a disconnect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the ways she helps business owners connect the dots between knowing and doing is to emphasize the impact to performance when they run the risk of burning out. \u201cWe see that errors increase when you start trying to do things in overtime,\u201d she explains. \u201cThere is a connection between productivity and recovery \u2013 one of the things we talk about is understanding that recovery is actually part of high performance and being able to do your job well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"h-3-warning-signs-you-re-burning-out\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 warning signs you\u2019re burning out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Hanley-Dafoe talks about three markers that she encourages business owners to watch out for, before health and performance are at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\r\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Deep exhaustion<\/strong>. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to bed early and waking up still tired, if you cannot hold energy, it\u2019s a sign that your system is overworked,\u201d she says. In this case, it can take longer to do tasks and there may be a significant lack of motivation.<\/p><\/li>\r\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cynicism<\/strong>. \u201cIf you notice you\u2019re getting a chip on your shoulder, becoming easily irritated and\/or feel no one can do the job as well as you can, this is a sign you\u2019re on a slippery slope to burnout.\u201d<\/p><\/li>\r\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Making errors<\/strong>. \u201cMissing things, dropping the ball and forgetting things more than you used to is a good cue that you need to take a mindful minute,\u201d she says.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-advice-for-business-owners-find-a-balance-to-combat-burnout\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice for business owners: Find a balance to combat burnout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following more than 17 years of teaching and research, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe has considerable experience coaching business owners and leaders on resiliency and workplace wellness. She offers practical, insightful tips to help recalibrate and avoid (or recover from) burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-embrace-vulnerability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Embrace vulnerability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe signature strength of a leader is their ability to embrace vulnerability,\u201d says Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. \u201cThere is an enormous amount of cognitive energy that goes into wearing masks or armoring up and we\u2019re depleting our systems faster than we need to when we\u2019re always trying to put a game face on,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She adds that knowing when to share \u2013 and who to share with \u2013 is also key. \u201cThere is a season and a time to be able to disclose our vulnerabilities and we should do it with care. But we need to make sure we do, because it\u2019s important for our ability to perform.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-reach-out\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reach out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having real conversations and feeling seen, heard and validated by others provides a sense of relief and a feeling that we\u2019re not alone. In particular, if working in a remote environment, camaraderie is important. \u201cRegardless of where you are in terms of physical space, ensure you\u2019re making time for relationships and connections,\u201d encourages Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. Because at the end of the day every business is a people business \u2013 relationships matter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-get-grounded-with-self-care-strategies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get grounded with self-care strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, she recognizes the need for solitude and the importance of having a few minutes to collect one\u2019s thoughts. \u201cThose mindful minutes are so important,\u201d she says, adding that the absence of a commute has taken away this transition time for many. \u201cFor business owners who are working and living in the same space they occupy, they are missing moments of solitude they could previously count on.\u201d For those working on premises, it\u2019s still important to give yourself permission to take breaks throughout the day, especially when first returning. Any type of change to a routine requires an adjustment period. Be patient with yourself as you reacclimate to new routines. Another key idea is to schedule blocks or uninterpreted time in your calendar for self-care and respect this time with yourself, as you would with your most important client!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discover the power of nature. \u201cSimply going outdoors is an extraordinary way to recalibrate a tired nervous system,\u201d says Dr. Hanley-Dafoe. She often tells leaders and business owners that when they don\u2019t feel like they have time to go out for a walk, it\u2019s in fact the time when it\u2019s needed the most.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use music to set the tone. \u201cMusic can give you energy, it can help you unwind,\u201d she says. \u201cIt can set the mood and reregulate you when you\u2019re feeling tired or overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Re-establish healthy routines like prioritizing sleep, diet and exercise, and avoiding self-sabotaging behaviours.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-focus-on-the-positives\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on the positives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Hanley-Dafoe encourages all business owners to practice gratitude and take time to think about what is going right and what is working. \u201cAlways being in a problem-focused mindset creates feelings of scarcity that there\u2019s never enough time to get everything done \u2013 there are just too many problems.\u201d When the lens is shifted to bring awareness of what is going well, and taking note of how far we have come, it makes us feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-bottom-line\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business owners are by nature hard working, ambitious and willing to push themselves to their limits to take care of their businesses and their employees. Taking time for self-care, however, is essential not just for physical and mental health, but also for the ability to perform at a high standard, maintain essential relationships and run a productive business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adds Dr. Hanley-Dafoe: \u201cPrioritizing self-care gives us a better return on our investment than running on empty ever will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crisisservicescanada.ca\/en\/looking-for-local-resources-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57917-957ebbfe\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Crisis Services Canada\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Crisis Services Canada<\/a>&nbsp;offers a directory of local support phone and text lines that are accessible 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-grey-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5 minute read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/managing-your-business\/business-planning\/unplugging-for-success-5-tips-to-help-business-owners-take-time-off\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57917-e1e521e4\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Unplugging for Success: 5 Tips to Help Business Owners Take Time Off\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Unplugging for Success: 5 Tips to Help Business Owners Take Time Off<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Business owners are experiencing high levels of stress and exhaustion, which can impact both wellness and performance. Take a closer look at the warning signs of burnout.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":98334,"parent":57337,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[157,76],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[110],"rbc_lob_group":[35],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33],"rbc_mmm_category":[305,326,390],"class_list":["post-57917","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-entrepreneur","tag-ideas-and-insights","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_audience-business-owners","rbc_lob_group-business","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_mmm_category-business","rbc_mmm_category-right-sized-business-advice","rbc_mmm_category-small-business"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"334681","custom_author":"Diane Amato","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_video_keywords":"","rbc_video_description":"","rbc_video_upload_date":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":[{"title":"Owners aren\u2019t putting on their own \u201coxygen mask\u201d first","url":"#h-owners-aren-t-putting-on-their-own-oxygen-mask-first"},{"title":"What happens when self-care slides","url":"#h-what-happens-when-self-care-slides"},{"title":"3 warning signs you\u2019re burning out","url":"#h-3-warning-signs-youre-burning-out"},{"title":"Advice for business owners: Find a balance to combat burnout","url":"#h-advice-for-business-owners-find-a-balance-to-combat-burnout"},{"title":"Bottom Line","url":"#h-bottom-line"}],"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":"Generate Table Of Contents"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Business owners are experiencing high levels of burn out. 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