“Protect your peace” is an essential mantra for anyone running a business. This week, we asked six designers—Gabriela Eisenhart, Holly Hollenbeck, Breegan Jane, Leigh Jendrusina, Nikki Klugh and Katie McCaffrey—how they make time for themselves when work gets overwhelming.
Feed Your Soul
“Avoiding burnout is about creating intentional balance in my life and prioritizing the things that feed my soul. As much as I pour myself into my work, I know that I can only give my best when I’m operating from a place of peace, joy and alignment. My faith is a cornerstone of my life—it grounds me and reminds me that my purpose is greater than any challenge I face. Taking time for prayer, reflection and gratitude keeps me centered and provides clarity even in the busiest seasons. Beyond that, I make space for activities that allow me to reconnect with myself. Pilates is a big part of my routine—it strengthens my body, clears my mind and keeps me energized. Dancing is another passion of mine that acts as an expression of joy and freedom that helps me let go of stress. I also indulge in spa days whenever I can, treating myself to moments of complete relaxation and rejuvenation. I have learned that rest and restoration aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Whether it’s through faith, movement or adventure, I make it a point to nurture my spirit so I can continue showing up fully for my clients, my team and myself.” —Nikki Klugh, Nikki Klugh Design Group, Chula Vista, California
Take a Step Back
“Burnout is definitely something I deal with from time to time. I’m currently working on a lot of larger projects—new builds and full-home remodels that have long timelines from start to finish. Sometimes I get stuck and feel a little less inspired. I’ve found that stepping away and taking a day or two off the project can help me refocus mentally. It’s hard to always be creatively ‘on,’ so taking some time away—whether for a workout, a quick trip or dinner at a beautiful restaurant—helps me reset and get back into the project creatively.” —Leigh Jendrusina, Salthouse Collective, Carlsbad, California
Set Your Boundaries
“Running a design business is rewarding, but equally taxing. To avoid burnout, I maintain strong work boundaries and make sure to shut down by 5 p.m. every Friday for the weekend. Weekends are sacred for me to reset. I’ve figured out my recharge formula: a balance of quiet time, family time, social time and a dash of spontaneity. This is the perfect mix to have me recharged and ready to dive back in come Monday.” —Gabriela Eisenhart, Silo Studios, Atlanta
Pack Your Bags
“In this industry of high pressure and demanding clients, burnout is real and can creep up on you in a big way if you don’t take time for yourself. My number-one solution for burnout is to travel. It doesn’t have to be far, and it doesn’t have to be long, but getting out of your typical day-to-day surroundings and just experiencing [a new place] is huge. I love being out in nature and noticing the amazing color combinations, textures and patterns nature provides. On a recent trip to the desert, I instantly came up with the color palette for a Mediterranean-style home. While in Thailand, I became enchanted by the colors and details embraced by Thai culture and was so inspired to bring some of that detailing home to my clients. In the jungles of Chiang Mai, I fell in love with the wonderful irregular little spots on an elephant’s ear and thought how amazing that would be for a fabric. I find it’s important to listen to your mind and your body. If you are feeling burned out, respond to that and take some time off to just see, taste, smell and experience. The more out of the ordinary, the better! Creativity and business ownership is like a flower—you have to water it and nurture it for it to bloom.” —Katie McCaffrey, McCaffrey Design Group, Sausalito, California
Feel the Burn
“Instead of running from burnout, I face it head-on, preparing for it before it gets so severe that I can’t come back from it. When I’m overwhelmed and headed toward a crash, I create moments that restore my sanity and help rejuvenate me. It can be as simple as a day in bed, lunch with a girlfriend or a spa treatment. On the more extravagant side, I book a trip to someplace tropical for much-needed rest and relaxation.” —Breegan Jane, Breegan Jane Design, Los Angeles
Enjoy the Downtime
“I think people in creative industries really need inspiration and downtime to avoid burnout. I find travel to be inspirational, and time spent looking at architecture, being in museums and in beautifully designed public spaces helps feed my creative fires and helps me stay engaged with my work. Downtime for me is usually spent hiking or in yoga, and I find it to be a time I can let my mind have the space and quiet to think freely and creatively about projects I’m currently working on.” —Holly Hollenbeck, HSH Interiors, San Francisco
