Avoiding Burnout As A Lash Artist

Lets get honest for a minute!

Being a lash artist is an incredibly rewarding career, allowing
you to enhance your clients' confidence and beauty with just your hands and tools.
BUT, running a lash business can feel like you're on the move
24/7!

Whether you're spending 8 hours a day on clients or
doing all your back end admin work, you're trying to do it all
at once and THIS is how burn out starts and exactly how it
creeps upon us.

And dont worry, you arent the only lash artist thats been
through this, trust me when I say WE ALL HAVE!

But this is why it's crucial to recognize the signs early and
take proactive steps to protect your well-being. In this blog
im going to help you with some tips on how to avoid burnout
as a lash artist while maintaining your passion for the craft.

So what is burnout and how can it affect us lash artists?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired; it's a state of
emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
As a lash artist, you're likely familiar with the pressure to book back-to-back clients, deliver perfect results every time,
and keep up with the latest trends, I know I have felt that
pressure! But these demands can take a toll on your energy
levels and enthusiasm.

But its also that working in close proximity with clients for
extended periods can be emotionally draining, especially
when trying to maintain a friendly and positive demeanor. 

We create such amazing relationships with our clients that
sometimes we forget that when they trauma dump on us, it
can effect our mental health and alot of the time, we take
this with us even after we put the tools down.
If we leave these problems around, burnout can lead to
decreased productivity, resentment towards work, and even
health issues.

But the good news is that burnout is preventable! 
By implementing a few mindful strategies, you can sustain your
passion for lashing while safeguarding your well-being.

1. Create a Balanced Schedule
One of the most common causes of burnout is overworking.
Now I know It's tempting to pack your schedule to maximise
your income, but it's vital to balance work AND rest.

Here are some useful tips to balance your schedule:
• Limit Back-to-Back Appointments: 
Give yourself at least 15 minutes between clients to rest your eyes and
stretch.

• Set Realistic Work Hours: Establish boundaries by
deciding how many hours or days per week you will
work. Stick to this routine to avoid overexertion.

• Schedule Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks
throughout the day can reduce fatigue and improve your focus.
It's okay to say no to last-minute bookings if it means
protecting your well-being. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

2. Protect Your Body
Lashing is a physically demanding job that requires long
periods of sitting and detailed hand movements. Poor
posture and repetitive motions can lead to back, neck, and
wrist pain, contributing to burnout.

How to protect your physical Well-being:
• Invest in Quality Equipment:
Ensure your chair and lash bed are adjustable to maintain good posture.

• Stretch and Exercise Regularly:
Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine to relieve muscle
tension.

• Practice Hand and Eye Care:
Hand stretches and the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20
seconds every 20 minutes) can help prevent strain.
Your body is just as important as taking care of your clients.

3. Master Time Management!
Proper time management helps reduce stress and helps you
maintain a healthier work-life balance. Planning your day
strategically ensures you don't feel rushed or overwhelmed.

Helpful Tips for Effective Time Management:
• Plan Your Day Ahead:
Organize your appointments and allocate time for other tasks such as cleaning, inventory management, and social media.

• Automate Where Possible:
Use a booking system to streamline bookings and reminders.

• Prioritise Tasks: 
Focus on the most important tasks first and avoid multitasking to reduce mental fatigue. We want to work smarter, not harder so its important to
manage your time efficiently.

4. Prioritise Your Self-Care and Mental Health!
Lash artists often focus on making others feel beautiful, but it's equally important to recognise when you need to look after your own well-being. Emotional exhaustion is a key component of burnout, so taking time for self-care is crucial.

Here are some self-Care strategies I have used:
• Practice Mindfulness:
Engage in activities such as meditation or journaling to clear your mind.

• Take Days Off:
Regular days off are essential for rest and recharging.

Seek Support: 
Don't hesitate to reach out to fellow lash
artists or a mentor when feeling overwhelmed. Your mental health is invaluable. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first sometimes.

5. Keep the Passion Alive: Continuous Learning and Growth
Routine can sometimes lead to boredom and burnout. To keep the spark alive, continue learning and challenging yourself.

Growth Tips:
• Attend Workshops and Training
• Set Achievable Goals
• Celebrate Small Wins

Reminder: It's Okay to Take a Break!!
If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that it's okay to take
a step back. Your worth is not determined by how many
clients you see or how many hours you work. Burnout doesn't mean you're failing-it means you've been strong for too long without giving yourself the rest you deserve.

Give yourself permission to rest, recover, and reconnect with
why you started this journey. Whether it's taking a vacation, a
mental health day, or even just a quiet moment with a cup of
tea, taking care of yourself isn't selfish-it's necessary.