Burnt out? Here are Four of the Best Ways to De-stress
Working 9 to 5 – or longer in many cases – in the same office every day can be super stressful.
You have to navigate a plethora of challenges: office politics, deadlines, ennui, monotony, restlessness, tiredness, difficult bosses or colleagues, feeling overwhelmed during busy periods or bored and unchallenged during quiet ones.
Staring at a computer screen for eight hours a day isn’t great for your posture, your physical or mental health, or your natural need to move and experience diversity in your day.
So it’s no wonder that, in 2024, 77 per cent of workers report feeling burned out in their current jobs. Everyday stress was cited as the leading cause.
This is nothing short of a national crisis.
It’s especially true for entrepreneurs who must face all the above challenges, plus trying to stay afloat in a cost of living crisis in which people are parting with money less keenly.
They still have to find ways to sell their product, pay their bills and maintain a healthy work/life balance essential for optimum productivity and creativity.
Pausing and resetting
Vahan Poghosyan, CEO of Linkee, who conducted the research, said:
“Entrepreneurship is a constant balance between vision and exhaustion. In a world that always pushes for more, the real power comes from knowing when to pause, reset, and protect what drives you. It’s not about doing less—it’s about being intentional. Setting boundaries, prioritising rest, and preserving your energy.”
Experts at the company have shared four helpful insights of successful entrepreneurs—activities that can help you de-stress and avoid burnout, as recommended by entrepreneurs themselves.
The four best antidotes to burnout
1. Play Music
Many entrepreneurs recommend playing music as one of the best ways to overcome burnout.
Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which cause insomnia, weaken your immune system, and create mental fog. Playing music offers a natural way to reduce the cortisol level in your body as it triggers dopamine release, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. For example, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, uses this method to prevent burnout and stay grounded in his workplace.
You could try classical music for a chilled vibe, or dance music to jump around and let off some steam.
2. Try Racing or High-Adrenaline Sports
The non-stop demands at the workplace can lead to mental exhaustion, making it harder to focus on day-to-day tasks. High-adrenaline activities such as racing need complete concentration and focus. This gives the brain a break from work-related thoughts, helping you reset, sharpen mental clarity, and improve strategic decision-making.
3. Play Video Games
High stress levels can lower vasopressin—a hormone that helps with mental focus and emotional stability.
Whatever you think of him, entrepreneur Elon Musk has undoubtedly been successful.
He endorses playing video games as one of the best ways to combat burnout. He uses this hobby to immerse himself in virtual reality, which allows him to relax, recharge, and create a state of flow. He comments on his hobby: “Killing the demons in a video game calms the demons in my mind.”
4. Play Tennis (or any other sport)
Long hours and constant decision-making can leave you mentally drained. Entrepreneurs recommend regular participation in sports as an effective way to recharge and avoid burnout.
Tennis, for example, is an excellent option—it challenges the mind and body through strategic thinking and coordination. By hitting the court regularly, you can sharpen your focus and return to work with a renewed sense of productivity.