After Burnout.
Growth Through Wellbeing: Insights from Louise Macnab.
Entrepreneurship is often described as a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows, and no one knows this better than Louise Macnab, founder of Jerms and my guest this week on Brave New Girls podcast.
Building a business from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding for her, but it also comes with daily struggles, ranging from decision fatigue to the immense pressure of wearing multiple hats. Being a solo founder means Louise shoulders much of the responsibility, and while this independence allows her to act quickly, it also means she has limited emotional support when things get tough. These are the daily challenges that make the life of an entrepreneur both exhilarating and exhausting.
Louise is very open about the mental and physical toll entrepreneurship can take. Long working hours, coupled with the stress of making critical business decisions, can lead to burnout. In fact, Louise’s journey as an entrepreneur began after recovering from stress-induced gut health issues during her time as a corporate lawyer. Now, as a business owner, she’s more aware than ever of the need to prioritise her wellbeing. Despite the challenges, Louise has developed habits and practices that help her maintain balance and keep her stress levels in check.
One of the biggest lessons we can learn from Louise is the importance of listening to our bodies. She emphasises that your body often tells you when it needs rest or change, and ignoring those signs can have detrimental effects. Louise makes a conscious effort to slow down when needed, ensuring she gets enough sleep and dedicates time to relaxation. Even in the busiest moments, she understands that wellbeing is non-negotiable.
Another way she mitigates stress is by leaning into mindfulness practices. For Louise, nature has always been a source of grounding, and she moved from bustling London to the Cotswolds for a slower pace and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Regular walks in nature and practicing yoga allow her to decompress and find moments of peace, even when the demands of running Jerms feel overwhelming.
Meditation has also been a powerful tool in Louise’s wellbeing arsenal. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless to-do lists, but meditation helps her to reset, gain perspective, and maintain focus. By carving out time for mindfulness, Louise has created a sustainable way to manage the stress of being a solo founder.
In addition to mental self-care, Louise focuses on nutrition as a core part of her wellness routine. As the founder of a gut health company, she is deeply aware of the connection between the gut and overall health. Louise follows a balanced diet rich in natural, whole foods, supplemented with Jerms' own daily gut health powder. This ensures her body gets the nutrients it needs to stay energized and resilient.
For those looking to emulate Louise’s approach to wellbeing, incorporating essential oils into daily routines can be a great addition. Here are three Young Living blends that can specifically help with the issues she faces:
1. Stress Away – This blend is ideal for helping to reduce the pressure of being constantly on the go. Its calming scents, like lavender and lime, are perfect for promoting relaxation and tranquility during high-stress periods.
2. Brain Power – This blend supports cognitive function and clarity, which is invaluable for entrepreneurs like Louise who need to make quick and thoughtful decisions throughout the day. It combines essential oils like frankincense and sandalwood to boost mental acuity.
3. Valor – This blend is perfect for boosting confidence and courage, especially in moments of doubt. Its empowering properties, featuring ingredients like black spruce and blue tansy, help fortify inner strength, something Louise needs when navigating the ups and downs of business ownership.
These blends can be used in various ways, such as diffusing them, applying them topically (diluted as needed), or incorporating them into meditative or therapeutic practices. Each blend has specific properties that can support emotional well-being, aiding in the journey from suffering to a place of safety, purpose, and healing. I am a Brand Partner with Young Living if you wish to order these oil blends at a discount.
Do you want to join our next Brave New Girls Wellbeing Growth Retreat? Find out more.
Ten Actionable Steps for Personal Growth
1. Listen to Your Body – Louise learned the hard way that ignoring physical symptoms, like chronic fatigue or digestive issues, can lead to burnout. Tune into early signs of stress, like trouble sleeping or brain fog, and take proactive steps to rest before things escalate.
2. Practice Mindfulness with Nature Walks – Louise emphasizes the calming effect of nature, which is why she moved to the Cotswolds. Whether you live in the city or countryside, carve out time to take mindful walks in nature. It helps reduce stress and clear the mind.
3. Schedule Rest Days – As an entrepreneur, Louise works long hours, but she makes sure to schedule intentional rest days. Block out at least one day a week to completely step away from work, allowing yourself to recharge physically and mentally.
4. Use Meditation to Recenter – Meditation is Louise’s go-to for managing overwhelming moments. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes each morning or evening to meditate, which can help you start your day with a calm mind or wind down before sleep.
5. Create a Routine for Stress Management – Louise incorporates yoga and stretching into her daily routine to combat stress. Establish a daily or weekly routine of physical activities like yoga, Pilates, or even simple stretching to ease physical and mental tension.
6. Fuel Your Body with Balanced Nutrition – As a gut health advocate, Louise knows the importance of good nutrition. Follow her lead by consuming a diet rich in whole foods, focusing on anti-inflammatory ingredients like fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Supplement with probiotics or gut-supporting blends to keep your digestion in check.
7. Embrace Imperfection in Your Entrepreneurial Journey – Louise acknowledges that perfectionism can lead to stress. Accept that mistakes and setbacks are part of entrepreneurship, and try not to dwell on them. Instead, focus on progress over perfection.
8. Keep Your Workspace Clean and Inspiring – Louise’s workspace reflects her need for mental clarity. Keep your environment organised and add elements like essential oils or plants to create a space that feels both functional and soothing.
9. Build a Support System of Fellow Entrepreneurs – Louise finds strength in her network of other female founders. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. Lean on them for advice, support, or even just a listening ear.
10. Establish Boundaries for Work-Life Balance – Louise learned to set boundaries between her work and personal life to avoid burnout. Create specific "off-hours" when you turn off work notifications, allowing yourself the mental space to focus on personal time and relaxation.
Louise Macnab teaches us that wellbeing is essential for entrepreneurial success. Her approach of listening to your body, staying connected with nature, and prioritising rest offers a roadmap for balancing business pressures with personal health.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
