Burning out is easier than it should be. The advancement of technology was originally supposed to allow us to work less, but in practice that hasn’t exactly worked out. Now we’re expected to be available 24/7 through cell phones, email and video chats, so it shouldn’t be surprising that people are working themselves into the ground. If that’s how it’s going for you now, there are things you can do to ease the situation. And they don’t have to include a walk around the neighborhood.
Reset
As soon as you realize you’re getting burned out on a project, the best thing you can do is take a break. You can’t always take a physical break away from your desk, so mastering the art of a mental break is crucial. Meditation, of course, is wonderful for this, but it can be difficult to master. Even the act of practicing meditation can help you get your focus back. If that isn’t your thing, simply taking five minutes to look out a window or visualize your favorite vacation is a good way to reset.
Prioritize
It’s easy to get stuck in busy work. Emails, phone calls and non-urgent paperwork can eat through hours of a day, and leave you feeling like you hardly accomplished a thing. That’s why having a set routine can be beneficial. If you have set times to check email and leave the paperwork for the last hour of work, you can easily spend most of your time doing what’s most important.
Delegate
No matter what, there comes a time when the paperwork needs to be finished. If you’re struggling with busy work that can be done by someone else, see if they’re up for the task. It might be something small, like matching up receipts, or even something at home. In addition to taking some work off your plate, it also makes you seem more approachable. Hiring a cleaning service was the best thing I ever did; I can come home and relax instead of worrying about a dirty kitchen.
Sleep It Off
Sleep is undervalued in our society, but it’s the number one thing you can do to improve your ability to function. Sleep loss is associated with quite a few personal issues, including delayed reaction times, difficulty with focus and creative thinking, and numerous long-term health diseases. Aiming for a minimum of seven hours every night can have a drastic effect on how you feel.
Take Care
Keeping yourself healthy should be a non-negotiable priority, but many people let it fall by the wayside. Feeling bad and burning out, especially if it happens often, means you need to take a look at your whole life, not only work. Aspects like a good diet and exercise routine are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy and prevent burnout. Make time for them and guard them religiously. You might be amazed at the changes you see.
