Business leaders in all fields are driving our economy forward, creating jobs and providing the services and products that are in such high demand. It's always been hard work being a business leader, with long hours the norm, but today's business world is becoming ever more competitive and ever more demanding on business leaders, owners and directors. It’s no surprise, then, that increasing numbers of people are suffering from executive burnout, so much so that it's become an epidemic across all fields of industry and business. Here are four ways that smart business leaders combat burnout, and they can help you defeat stress in your life too.

1. Yoga and Meditation

The burnout epidemic may be a very modern problem, at least at its current scale, but one particularly effective solution is a very ancient one. Yoga and meditation have been practiced in various forms for thousands of years, but they still possess excellent stress busting qualities. You can also practice yoga and meditation at home or in the office, and spending a little time each day in meditative silence can have a great calming and rejuvenating effect on your mind and body. If you're not sure where to begin then look for a local class, or follow tutorials on the internet.

2. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough high quality sleep is one of the most important things we can do health-wise, yet thanks to our hectic lifestyles many people find it difficult to achieve. The secret to a great sleep is a great mattress; one that supports your body in all the right places and allows its owner to have a long, uninterrupted sleep rather than one in which they keep waking up in discomfort. Different mattresses suit different people, so it makes sense to find one that's ideal for you. You can learn more at bestmattress-brand.org and find a list of the best mattresses of 2020. When you wake up refreshed, you'll have more energy to tackle life and work.

3. Eat Healthily and Keep Fit

Keeping fit and healthy will benefit every aspect of our lives, which is why exercise is important throughout every stage of our lives. It's been shown that exercise is not only good for our physical health, but for our mental wellbeing too, which is why it can be an effective weapon in the fight against business related burnout. Many business leaders set aside a period every day to do gentle exercise, and they can also combine this with jogging or cycling to work. It's good news for your heart and mind, and good news for the environment too.

4. Spend Time with the People You Love

Business leaders invariably work long and irregular hours, and over time this can take its toll. One of the most effective ways to combat extreme work induced fatigue, which in turn is often caused by stress, is to take time out to do something you truly love. For most of us, there's one thing that cheers us more than anything else – our loved ones. Having their pictures on your desk will help, but spending quality time in their company is much more beneficial. Of course, business leaders come under time pressure, but taking time out to spend with your family helps recharge your batteries so you can work more effectively and efficiently.

The keys to beating the burnout threat are sleeping well with a comfortable mattress, eating and drinking well, keeping fit and healthy, and getting the work-life balance right. It's a juggling act, as is everything in business, but it's essential that you always put yourself and your loved ones first. In this way, you'll benefit, and your business will benefit too. Whatever job we do, and however senior our own position, these are lessons we can all learn from.