How To Avoid Burnout

If there is a time that’s more likely to tip you to burnout it’s right now. Every year ending we get busier with projects ending, management keen to close off customer-related tasks so the business can start afresh in the new year.

Yes, you might love your job but there is only so much anyone can take right? What makes it harder to tolerate in November and December is the coldest months are still ahead of us!

Therefore burning out is a real condition that affects workers in different ways.

The troubling signs you may be heading for a breakdown or burning out include:

• more irritable
• increase in negativity
• trouble sleeping
• snapping at others
• lack of empathy or caring
• always tired

There are many more symptoms to look out for and when you realise all is not well with your mindset it is important to find healthy ways to avoid a full-on burnout!

Unplug Completely

Taking yourself out of the situations that led to burnout is a great way of avoiding it. Unplugging or even taking a holiday gives you the chance to leave everything behind and instead focus on your mental and physical well-being.

An added advantage of doing this is that you will get back with increased energy and be able to achieve much more than you would have if you kept going.

Reduce Mental Fatigue

A common reason for burnout is mental fatigue brought about by having an excess workload. When this happens, we are unable to think through what we want to get done first or what is more important and warrants our attention right now. When this happens, we get stressed, which leads to mental exhaustion and eventually burnout.

A good way to reduce this mental fatigue is to start working on the things that are leading to stress.

Since you already know what you need to do but are stuck due to being overwhelmed, start by taking the right kinds of actions. As you cross over from knowing into doing, start with smaller tasks that have the most impact on reducing your stress.

Once you are done with these, go down the list of things you need to do until you are left with a manageable workload. By doing this, you will have moved from a stressful state and into one where you can manage your stress and avoid burnout.

Take a Nap

Naps are a great way to disconnect and refresh and recharge the brain. Many people turn to coffee or energy drinks when they feel exhausted but that is the wrong approach. Opt for a 20-minute nap instead and you will be much better off than if you took coffee or an energy drink.

Exercise Regularly

Did you know you feel more fatigued when you’re not exercising enough each day?

Exercise helps reduce stress and promotes a state of mental and physical well-being. Exercise can also make you feel a lot more energized, which can help you increase your productivity.

Regular physical training can also help you sleep better, which is another important way of avoiding burnout.

Instead of spending an extra inactive hour on the desk at work, why not go to a gym and work out? Or get a dog and then you have to go walking with it every day!

Find a Hobby

A hobby should not just be something you do at the weekend but something you are passionate about.

A hobby gives your body and mind a much-needed break from the weekly grind and allows you to reset for the coming day or week.

Nature is invigorating. Create a Zen garden or meet a friend and walk trails to get back to nature and feel instantly refreshed.

Summary

Avoiding burnout is much harder than it seems because of how we live our lives now. Remote working has relieved some of the stress of commuting however don’t fall into the trap of spending more time at your desk and on the computer.

Take the time you’ve got back doing something just for your wellbeing including some of the suggestions mentioned in this article.