Having a business, blog, or any side gig besides your own personal life can sound great until you have a million things you have to do and very little time and energy. This might cause you to feel tired, frustrated and even exhausted.
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If you feel that you are no longer motivated by a certain task or feel worried about the outcome, there are certain things you can do. Either find a balance from the tasks you can do or ask for help.
We all have to set boundaries in order to live a happy and healthy life.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a person who is passionate about helping others especially those who experience Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
She is Dr. Sykes, the author of, Exhausted!: Discover how to feel energized to lead a life with purpose.
Book Review
I enjoy reading books, especially those that bring some awareness and guidance to myself and my readers. This book was one that opened my eyes in regards to the many symptoms many of us experience during our lifetime, exhaustion.
If you’re one of those that have felt that you are drained by all the activities you have to do on a day to day basis, you’re not alone.
Many people have experienced some of the many symptoms presented in this book. A lot of times, we tend to demand more of ourselves than we are safe to handle.
I liked many of the methods Dr. Sykes spells out for you in order to assist you in identifying the psychological causes of exhaustion.
The book is written out in a way that it will help you find different psychological techniques that will allow you to implement them in your daily life to make positive changes in your lifestyle.
It also provides downloadable printables like a daily diary to help you become in tune with your body and mind, understanding chronic fatigue and its symptoms, the Worry Tree plus other helpful resources.
If you feel tired all the time and want to learn more about how you can help dilute these symptoms or find ways to reduce or make changes to help reduce exhaustion, I definitely recommend reading this book. Be ready with a notebook and pen to jot down some of the many techniques recommended by Dr. Sykes.
She goes into explaining about drainers and energizers in your life and about how to deal with the problems that worry you.
Now, I’d like to present to you our Friday Featured guest.
Tell us a little about yourself
Dr. Catherine Sykes – I’m a psychologist who aims to help people get the best out of their life.
Tell us about your business. How did you start your business? How long have you been in this field? What made you decide to go into the psychological services industry?
I’ve dedicated my whole career to psychology. I’ve worked in the NHS and academia. I set my private business up 17 years ago and gradually built it up over the years.
As a Chartered Psychologist and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, what is it that you do for others?
I help people to become healthier, happier and more successful by identifying the mindsets and behaviors that are holding them back, then I develop an individualized plan to support my client to change.
How long have you been in business and how long did it take you to get your first clients and start seeing income?
I’ve been in business for 17 years. I made income almost immediately as my costs were low at that point. I’ve gradually developed my business over the year.
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? How has this helped/challenged you and your business?
I try to resist using such extreme dichotomous labels. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. I believe that introversion and extroversion are 2 ends of a continuum.
I’m somewhere in the middle.
I love socializing and relaxing with my friends but I also need my alone recharge time. I think being approachable and genuinely liking people from all walks of life has helped me.
Also taking time out to reflect and time out to read and discover has helped me to develop my approach and techniques.
What were some of the startup costs to build your business?
Rent is the biggest cost as well as building a website and marketing.
Did you face any challenges while starting your business? How did you overcome them?
Lots!!
I just see each problem as a challenge that needs to be sorted out. I accept that having a business requires constant development.
It’s the nature of being in business. I take time out to problem solve and I’m never too proud to ask questions.
Were there any learning curves while starting your business, did you take courses, and if so, what do you recommend to those wanting to go into this field of business?
I’m constantly learning. I took Dr. Emee Estacio’s Self publishing course to develop the writing aspect of my business.
She is brilliant!
Highly recommend her online course, the PAME code.
For those starting out and feeling overwhelmed as a new Psychologist/Therapist or those not being able to land their first client, what piece of advice would you give them?
Never give up, try to differentiate yourself, don’t follow the crowd.
Being an entrepreneur takes lots of organization and time management, how do you keep yourself accountable to meet client workload? Any systems or software recommendations?
I clearly define work and personal time. Work is for work and I can clear realistic goals for each day. If I don’t manage to complete my list, it gets moved to the next available work slot in my diary. A diary on my iPad is very useful.
Tell us about your book and how is it that it can help others?
My book can help people who are constantly exhausted to rethink their life and understand how they think and behavior is contributing to their exhaustion. Lots of useful downloads at Zenitude Self Help.

Any additional comments or advice for those wanting to go into this service-type business? Or those experiencing chronic fatigue?
Life is what you make it. Enjoy yours!
Conclusion
Not only will you learn about dealing with exhaustion but if you are a chartered psychologist wondering how you can work from home or make extra income, as Dr. Sykes mentioned above, you make life what YOU make it.
If you have been dealing with fatigue or exhaustion, you should order the book and visit Dr. Sykes on her website, Zenitude
You can also visit her other self-help website, Zenitude to get access to downloads and plenty more resources as well.
If you are a business owner and would like to be featured, please message us on our contact page.
Do you feel like you are exhausted at times? What are some of the techniques you have done to try and relieve yourself from exhaustion?
(This post contains Affiliate Links which I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase. The views and opinions expressed on this site are purely my own.)
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I am a mental health therapist wanting to open my own practice someday so this post was very helpful for me to read and learn a few tips for the future. Thank you very much for writing it!
Oh wow, that is awesome. Wishing you well and sending positive vibes for your practice.