Working on a startup is a 24/7/365 kind of ordeal and so it's very easy to push yourself to a point of exhaustion.  A startup is a marathon, not a sprint, so it's important to monitor your energy level and recognize when it's time to take a break, reorganize priorities and take other actions to make sure you are operating at your best energy level.  Being new at all this, I've found I've managed to foolishly exhaust myself at different times in the 3 possible ways: Physically, Emotionally and Mentally.  I've also found a few tips for how to address them.

The 3 types of Exhaustion & What To Do About Them

Physical Exhaustion

Through my college days trying to survive a rigorous Electrical Engineering program to trying to run Greenhorn Connect, while pursuing other projects or a day job at oneforty, I've often flirted with or full on hit physical exhaustion.  Sometimes, you just work your body too hard, don't sleep enough and just run out of gas.

Solution: Take a few days to sleep an excessive amount (12+ hrs 2-3 days in a row), eat healthier, exercise regularly.

Time to Recovery: Usually a few days of very solid rest and a little relaxation can allow your body to bounce back quickly.

Emotional Exhaustion

Working on startups can be a very emotional experience; while it can be a joyful and thrilling experinece, at times it can be very frustrating, and you may not always get along with everyone you're working with.  Part of creating great ideas is often conflict, so it's important to recognize that some of these feelings are natural, but if they start getting in the way of your productivity, it can lead to a lot of wasted energy. 

There have been times at oneforty, that everything hasn't been perfect and that has caused me to expend larger than expected amounts of energy to get things done.  Energy spent on these sorts of emotions is very wasteful and counterproductive, so if you recognize it happening, you need to address it. It can also bleed into other parts of your life, which unfairly punishes friends and loved ones.

Solution: Clear your mind and get away for a weekend to put it all in perspective.  Make changes to your work environment (like moving your desk or rearranging your workflow) and try new methods for addressing any challenges you face. 

Time to Recovery: You can relieve issues in less than a week as tension can often quickly dissipate when given a new outlook and simple changes (like moving your desk) can bring a whole new feeling to your environment.

Mental Exhaustion

There have been many wise people before me that have written much more eloquently about the balance of mind and body. The fact is, there are times where you push the mind harder than it can handle and even if your body feels great, there's just been too much you've asked your mind to handle.  At these times it's time to realize you need a mental break.  Going 24/7 only thinking about startups can be a dangerous proposition and so it's important to think about what you can do to take "mental breaks."  Also think about how doing alternative, non-entrepreneurial activities can exercise your mind in different ways, while also giving you a chance to recharge your mental batteries.

Solution: Take a vacation! Add a few activities to your life (ie- Hobbies) that you enjoy that don't involve building a business and don't be afraid to just let your mind rest (or wander) a little.

Time to Recovery: A good vacation can replenish the mind and spirit easily as can a few well timed mental breaks during the day or week.

What Matters Most: Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

There is nothing more important in your startup life than Passion. These forms of exhaustion I talk about are why passion matters so much; if you aren't passionate about what you're doing, you'd have to be 10 kinds of crazy to stick with it.  It's also why if you are deeply passionate about your idea you have a competitive advantage over many you'll compete with; passion will fuel your spirit no matter what your situation is and it will keep you focused on your mission.

Finally, just remember: the more you love what you're doing, the less you'll run into this.  I've been eating, sleeping and breathing Greenhorn for over a year now and I find I never get tired of working on our goals.  I believe in our mission to my core and that drive is what I know will be essential in any future ventures I create down the line.

How do you avoid exhaustion? What do you do to replenish or maintain your energy levels?

Photo Credit: Kyknoord on Flickr