Let’s be real: burnout happens. Especially when you’re a one-person show (or close to it). When your business is your creative outlet and your income source, it can be hard to separate the two, and easy to feel overwhelmed.

According to the American Psychological Association, 62% of small business owners have experienced burnout 🔥, and 40% of creatives say burnout has negatively impacted their work 🎨. So no, it’s not just you.

Here are 5 ways I keep things feeling fun (even when I’m totally fried):

1. Let Yourself Experiment (Without Pressure) 🧪🎨

I give myself permission to make weird stuff, even if it never gets listed.

• Test new products at shows before committing

• Try a silly design just because you want to

• Create one-offs for social content

Stat: Companies that encourage play and experimentation see a 20% increase in creative problem-solving 🧩 (source: Journal of Business Research).

This is your business, you get to make space for play.

2. Build in a Low-Effort Win 🏆✨

When I’m burned out, I focus on something simple and satisfying:

• Restocking a bestseller

• Making a mystery bundle

• Editing product photos

Small wins = momentum. Not everything has to be a big launch.

3. Create Content When You’re Already Doing the Thing 📸🎥

Content creation can feel exhausting unless you make it part of your process:

• Film packaging orders

• Record a restock

• Show your messy studio and what you’re working on

Stat: Brands that post behind-the-scenes content see up to 3x higher engagement 🚀 (source: Later + Instagram).

Don’t overthink it. Done is better than perfect.

4. Outsource Something (Even If It’s Small) 🤝📦

Delegating one thing can take a lot off your plate:

• Hire a part-time packer for busy seasons

• Use automated email flows instead of writing every campaign

• Pay for Canva templates instead of starting from scratch

You don’t have to do it all alone. (And shouldn’t!)

5. Reconnect with Why You Started ❤️📖

Burnout often comes when we’re deep in logistics and forget the big picture.

• Re-read old reviews

• Scroll through your first product photos

• Look at how far you’ve come

Sometimes the spark is still there, it just needs a reminder.

Take a deep breath. You’re doing great. And fun is allowed. 🌈😊