In the space of entrepreneurs, deadlines never sleep and work emails arrive faster than morning coffee, with 77% of workers feeling burned out in their jobs according to experts at Linkee.
If burnout were a disease, it would be an epidemic. Yet, instead of a cure, many professionals are stuck in an endless cycle of stress, exhaustion, and the occasional weekend nap that does little to restore sanity.
So, what’s the secret to avoiding professional combustion? From successful entrepreneurs, the answer lies in an unexpected mix of music, sports, and, in Elon Musk’s case, slaying digital demons.
- Music: The Business of Beats
If you think corporate suits and DJ decks don’t mix, think again. David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, doesn’t just balance billion-dollar deals—he also mixes beats to keep burnout at bay. Science backs him up. Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can weaken the immune system and cloud mental clarity. Playing music helps counteract this by triggering dopamine release, offering a natural antidote to workplace-induced fatigue.
- High-Adrenaline Sports: Racing Past Stress
When stress levels skyrocket, some entrepreneurs opt for extreme sports to reset their focus. Racing, skydiving, and other adrenaline-heavy activities demand full concentration, forcing the mind to temporarily forget about endless Zoom meetings. The result? A sharper, more strategic approach when returning to work. For professionals drowning in responsibilities, perhaps the solution isn’t another productivity hack but a literal leap of faith—preferably with a parachute.
- Video Games: Elon Musk’s Mental Escape
Aside from meditation—Elon Musk swears by gaming as his go-to stress relief. The billionaire, known for launching rockets and rewriting the rules of transportation, turns to video games to combat mental fatigue. “Killing the demons in a video game calms the demons in my mind,” he once revealed. Scientific research discloses he might be onto something. High stress can lower vasopressin, a hormone essential for focus and emotional stability. Engaging in digital battles may offer a much-needed mental reset.
- Tennis and Other Sports: Outrunning Burnout
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, physical sports remain a tried-and-true method for stress relief. Tennis, in particular, challenges both the body and the mind, improving coordination and strategic thinking. The repetitive motion of hitting a ball can serve as a metaphor for resilience—keep swinging, and eventually, you’ll score.
Finally: The Art of Knowing When to Pause
For many entrepreneurs, the key to long-term success isn’t working harder but knowing when to step back. Vahan Poghosyan, CEO of Linkee, captures this sentiment perfectly:
“Entrepreneurship is a constant balance between vision and exhaustion. In a world that always pushes for more, the real power comes from knowing when to pause, reset, and protect what drives you. It’s not about doing less—it’s about being intentional.”
In the end, whether it’s music, sports, or digital combat, the message is that burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Perhaps the real productivity hack isn’t found in another 5 AM routine, but in simply knowing when to log off—before the system crashes.
