How to Stop Burnout Before It Starts
Burnout can significantly affect your mind and body causing you to suffer from exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression. If you don't make changes, burnout can lead to even more severe health problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
In order to avoid burnout it's important to get into a habit of recognizing its warning signs so you can stop it before it begins. Even some relatively simple life changes may make it more likely for you to avoid burnout all together.
Here are some tips you can try to keep burnout at bay:
Analyze Your Workload. It's quite easy to take on too much without realizing that there are only so many hours in the day. If you continue to run on overdrive without giving yourself a break, you're sure to eventually reach burnout. You have two choices when it comes to altering your workload.
First, you can study time management techniques in order to work more efficiently. You'll be able to get more done in less time.
Second, you can drop things off of your workload. This may not be ideal, but it's important for the sake of your health and happiness.
Avoid Exhaustion. When you're in-tune with your body, you can sense when you're reaching a point of exhaustion. As soon as you start to feel this way it's time to stop and make a change. You can book a mini vacation, go on a day trip, or you can spend time at home. The important thing to remember is that you need to leave your sources of stress behind. If this means no access to a cell phone or computer, then so be it!
Change Is Good. If you keep reaching a point where you think you'll burnout, then it's time to make a major life change.
For example, you may have a job that is causing you to repeatedly burnout despite your best efforts to avoid it. Perhaps it's time to start looking for a more suitable job.
Take Breaks. There is a reason why it's mandatory to offer breaks to employees. You need breaks to refresh, rejuvenate, and renew your mind. Go for a 10-minute walk, play a Sudoku puzzle, or just get away from your source of tension for a few minutes.
Ask For Help. Sometimes we feel so alone with our problems that we forget to ask for help, yet that just might be the antidote to our stress! Talk to your partner, friend, or a personal coach to vent your frustrations and seek advice.
Learn To Say No. There is a difference between someone who is open and accommodating and someone who says yes to everything. If you tell everyone yes, it's likely that someone will take advantage of you at some point or another. Learn that sometimes saying no is in your best interest. You don't need to give yourself extra stress!
The Time Factor
In the end, the most important tip is to listen to what your inner self is telling you. If you've taken on too much, make a list and figure out the most important things that need to get done. The other stuff will have to wait or someone else will have to complete the tasks.
Take Time To Vent
If you ever start to panic, take a few breaths or go out for a walk to blow off some steam. Vent your emotions. Vent to friends, yourself, or a journal. Pent up emotions are likely to lead to unwanted burnout.
These are just a few strategies to stop burnout in its tracks and enjoy your life. Take action, seek therapy or implement these tips, today, and you'll soon be free from the crushing pressure of burnout!
