If you are constantly feeling pressure closing in on you from all sides, you’re definitely not alone. These days, it's not uncommon for people to run around like headless chickens as they take on more and more responsibilities at work and even at home, and the rising number of adults reporting increased stress proves it.
Indeed, it’s no surprise that burnout has been recognized as an invisible disease. Unfortunately, with such a fine line between general tiredness and all-out burnout, it can be hard to recognize. And while some accountability does lie with the companies that people work for, it is ultimately up to you to make sure that your job (as well as other stressors like home, relationships, etc.) does not get the better of you. Here’s how to do that.
Delegate
We’ve all heard the adage: If you want something done right, do it yourself. You’ve probably been guilty of it at some point, rationalizing that it’s far quicker and more effective to do the job yourself. While this kind of thinking might have its merits, the reality is it’s a one-way ticket to Burnoutville, and it is this reason that highlights the value of delegation.
Even beyond the workplace, delegation skills prove to be crucial. At home, you are often faced with myriad errands that inevitably reduce productivity and suck up time and energy better channeled to more productive pursuits (including work). Hiring outside help to perform certain tasks could then turn out to be a wise investment, such as bringing in a cleaning service.
Pause and Change Your Environment
Travel has been touted as one of the best — if not, the best — way to recharge and avoid burnout. However, if not done right, this can produce its own kind of burnout, too, and nobody wants that. It’s important, therefore, to change your mindset about travel and not lose sight of the fact that the very act of travel should serve you.
It all boils down to taking a pause, so it’s a very good idea to fully unplug when you go on vacation. This means not responding to or even checking emails and chats, especially from work, and maybe even staying off social media and the internet in general. It’s a tall order, yes, but a real necessity considering how much being connected contributes to burnout.
It can also be as simple as changing your environment. Oftentimes, there’s nothing like a change in scenery to put your creativity and productivity back into overdrive, so if you’re feeling stuck on top of feeling burnt out, this could be what the doctor ordered.
Take Time for Yourself
More often than not, burnout comes from resentment. You resent how much work is stressing you out or how your home life and relationships are wearing you down. This is why it’s important to take great pains in devoting time for yourself. A great way to do this is to pursue a hobby that requires an entirely different skill set from what you do; thereby, using a different part of your brain. Not only will you have fun, but it could also kickstart your creativity.
Of course, making room for self-care will also do wonders against burnout. Taking care of your body through proper diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep is a great way to start — the science behind it is indisputable. Self-care may be as simple as taking a few minutes of your time each day to read, enjoy a cup of coffee, sit in silence — the list could go on and on. Even removing clutter from your home and opening your windows can promote positivity and lower stress.
While burnout may seem inevitable in this demanding world, it can actually be avoided or, at the very least, defied. Hey, if some of the world’s busiest people can do it, so can you!
For HR solutions that can resolve business inefficiencies, improve employee engagement, and grow your business, connect with Energise Consulting for a free consultation.
If you are looking for some clarity in your career or to help you live a more productive life, connect with Julie who is a Life and Career coach. - http://juliemorris.org/
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