Canva cofounder Melanie Perkins is urging fellow entrepreneurs to prioritise their wellbeing, admitting that her past seven-days-a-week grind was unsustainable and ultimately counterproductive.

Melanie revealed the lessons she’d learned to maintain energy and focus on LinkedIn this week after realising the way she used to work was unsustainable, and needed to change. “I used to work seven days a week, barely pausing to breathe, thinking it was the only way to succeed,” she said.

The veteran Canva boss – she’s led it for more than a decade – turns 38 this year, with a child turning 3. She’s worked for the past 18 years since founding Fusion Books in 2007 with her now husband Cliff Obrecht. That morphed into Canva 12 years ago. The design software business rebounded to a $49 billion valuation late last year as it looks to go public with a listing in the US possibly in the next 12 months, having recently recruited a new CFO.

While Melanie said social media was “quick to glamorise working all hours and pushing through without taking breaks”, the reality is it’s a flex the startup ecosystem foists on itself as part of the #foundermode mythology.

And in conversations with other founders, Melanie saw how widespread the problem is because “they’re so focused on achieving their big goals that they’re leaving nothing in the tank for themselves”.

The veteran Canva boss – she’s led it for more than a decade – shared her views at the same time Birchal CEO Matt Vitale announced he was stepping down from the role and away from the crowdfunding platform he cofounded eight years ago, confessing that “I’m a bit broken”.

“While my resilience and stamina have often felt limitless, in 2024, I found my limit – and pushed past it,” Matt said.

“I need time to repair and recuperate. I’ve realised the importance of stepping back to prioritise my health and well-being.”

Matt’s experience is far from an isolated case of founder burnout. Melanie recounted how one founder was stuck after a setback because they lacked the emotional tools to cope – something she’d also experienced.

“I’ve spent the last few years working on that, and now, I feel like I have the tools to help me recharge, reset, and plan effectively,” she said.

Her latest life hack is using AI to while she thinks on walks is among the ways she’s experimenting with her productivity and getting the most out of her time.

“I certainly don’t have it all figured out – I’m still learning, and these habits are evolving. But I’ve noticed how much better I feel when I make time for myself, and I wanted to share in case these ideas resonate with you too,” she said.

Forming good habits

Here, in her own words, are the five things Melanie Perkins does to keep herself on track and at full speed.

1: Taking Real Breaks

For years, I didn’t take weekends off. Now, I intentionally carve out time to recharge. Giving myself space to pause has been transformative—it helps me reset and approach the week ahead with clarity and energy. Contrary to what I originally thought, taking breaks helps me to ‘work smarter, not harder’.

2: Setting Walking Goals

A few years ago, I challenged myself to walk 100 km every month. It was a game-changer. Those walks became my thinking time, a chance to brainstorm, reflect, get some exercise and time in nature. This year, I’m excited to bring that habit back—it’s something I’ve missed and can’t wait to reintroduce into my routine.

3: Meditating Every Day

Meditation didn’t come easily to me. I’d sit there thinking about work instead of relaxing! But over time, I’ve found it incredibly helpful. I use the Calm app for 10 minutes before bed, which clears my mind and improves my sleep. It’s also helped transform my inner self-talk, making me kinder to myself.

4: Experimenting with AI Walks

This year, I’ve started combining my walks with AI tools. I use AirPods to record my thoughts and then let AI organize those ideas into actionable steps (yes, in Canva!). It’s been surprisingly effective at turning big-picture brainstorming into tangible progress. I’m excited to see where it goes this year and to continue to refine it.

5: Building Simple, Intentional Habits

Small ‘rituals’ like journaling for five minutes each morning, spending time in nature or keeping a consistent bed time and wake time (one of my 2025 goals!) can make a huge difference.

If you’re keen to share your life hacks with her, as many have already done, you can read more here.

This article was originally published on Startup Daily. Read the original here.