IT burnout is real in 2026—even for small teams and freelancers. Here are practical ways to protect your energy. ⚡
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What does IT burnout look like?
Dreading your inbox every morning
Feeling guilty when you're not working
Tasks that used to take 20 minutes now take 2 hours
You're exhausted but can't sleep
The work you once loved feels heavy
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Why small teams and freelancers are hit hardest:
No backup. No "Can someone cover for me?" No paid time off. Just you and the endless to-do list.
Practical ways to protect your energy:
⏰ Set hard stop times – Put it on your calendar. When it hits, close the laptop.
📧 Separate client communication – Set specific hours for emails. Turn off notifications outside those hours.
🧠 Batch your deep work – Block 2-3 hours for focused work. Everything else waits.
🚫 Say no more often – Not every client is worth the stress.
🌿 Take real breaks – Walk outside. Stare at a wall. Do nothing for 10 minutes.
⚙️ Automate the repeatable: Invoicing, backups, and password resets. Let machines do the boring work.
Signs you need to stop immediately:
Working through lunch (again)
Canceled plans to "catch up"
Anxious when your phone buzzes
Can't remember your last day off
One small change for tomorrow:
Pick ONE boundary. Implement it for one week. Just one.
What's one thing you're doing to prevent burnout? Reblog or reply! 👇
