Because small business owners and the self-employed are often wearing many hats, they are very susceptible to feeling overwhelmed or having "burnout". If this is starting to happen to you, here are some things you can do to overcome it.

1. Take care of yourself. If you do not keep yourself physically and mentally fit, you are more prone to burnout. Make sure you exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. Don't be too busy to take breaks during which you can have a healthy snack and at least do some stretch exercises or take a short walk.

2. Manage your time. Poor time management is often the cause of burnout. Plan your day in order to get the most important tasks done. Checking email or surfing the web may not be priorities! Be punctual for appointments and expect others to do the same.

3. Accept that you are not perfect. And neither are other people! Expect to make mistakes and expect others to do the same. Look at them as "learning experiences". Make changes as necessary and move on

4. Welcome change. Explore new ways to do routine tasks, offer new services or products. Look for ways to improve performance, or examine what you do best and make it even better.

5. Clarify your communications. Be clear and concise in conveying to others exactly what you expect from them and at the same time let them what they can expect from you. Encourage them to ask questions to clarify your role and their responsibilities.

6. Establish realistic expectations for yourself and others. If you see that you’re pushing yourself or your employees too hard, maybe you need to let go of unrealistic expectations. Learn to delegate, shorten your to-do list, and know when to let up on yourself and others.

7. Value your time. If you don't put a value on your time, who will? Learn how to say no.

8. Take a relaxing vacation! A vacation should be a time to relax, refresh and replenish your energy and enthusiasm. Even a long weekend away from the office will let you come back with a fresh outlook and perspective. Try to leave you cell phone off and don't check your emails!