12 September 2023

Burnout is a real and quite damaging condition. Once you find yourself suffering from burnout, it can be difficult to turn your life around. This is why it is necessary to take steps to avoid burnout. Post-pandemic we have been pushing ourselves in ways we haven’t seen before due to the nature of the situation. To avoid burnout and overwhelm, here are three tips to get you started on the right foot to maintain a happy and healthy you.

1.     Set Boundaries

No matter what your profession may be, it’s important to have boundaries. You can’t be available around the clock; this is simply impossible. So, to prevent burnout, it’s critical to establish boundaries of times you will not be available. This means that you won't be in the office or available by phone or email during these times. If you are in a management position, it might help to post these hours somewhere or adjust your email autoreply, so people know you will answer as soon as you are available. 

2.     Have A Work-Life Balance

Besides just setting boundaries, you need to have time to do things that aren't workplace related. This means you have time for your hobbies, your family, and just doing what you love. This doesn't have to be complicated, and it could be as simple as taking one afternoon a week to go for a walk in your favourite park. Whatever it may be, it needs to be something you want to do, and you need to put your foot down if work ever tries to interfere with your time.

3.     Put Yourself First 

Whatever could be going on at your job, if you start not feeling well or feel overwhelmed, you need to put yourself first. This means that, even if your group just started a new project, if you need a mental health day, you take one. You will be no use to your group if you begin to feel burnout and your mental abilities begin to deteriorate.

Putting yourself first is especially important when you start to feel the symptoms of an illness. Although it may be tempting to say it's just a cold and go to work anyway, this will only make you feel worse and put yourself closer to burnout. Stay home and rest instead.

It's important to remember that you can avoid burnout by setting boundaries, having a work-life balance, and putting yourself first. By following these tips, you'll not only avoid the damages of burnout, but you'll also feel less stressed overall.

The ‘Work Life Balance Assessment’ 

This article has been a great reminder for me and others to review our stress levels regularly particularly when it comes to having a work-life balance. We each need to make some serious changes in our lives to prevent burning out.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance protects you from burnout and increases your productivity. Setting reasonable boundaries gives you time and energy to devote to your relationships and other personal activities.

However, busy schedules and modern technology can make it difficult to disconnect at the end of the workday unless you develop habits that help you to be fully present at home.

Rate how much you agree with the following statements on a scale of 1 (least) to 5 (most). 

Then, identify small changes that will help you to reduce stress and take care of each important aspect of your life.

Statement 1:

I feel like I’m neglecting my responsibilities at home or work.

(Example: Rating 2. I will set realistic goals and give myself credit for my efforts and accomplishments.)

Statement 2:

I ask others for help when I need it.

(Example: Rating 4. I will assign my children household chores appropriate for their ages.)

Statement 3:

My priorities are clear.

(Example: Rating 4. I will plan my day each morning and block out hours for my most urgent and important tasks.)

Statement 4:

I manage workplace stress effectively.

(Example: Rating 3. I will stretch or go for a walk when I feel tense.)

Statement 5:

I avoid excessive overtime.

(Example: Rating 4. I will schedule challenging tasks for the hours when I am at peak performance, so I won’t have to stay late to complete them.)

What are your ‘to do’s’ now you have answered these 5 questions? Write a note to yourself and review those answers regularly. You will be surprised at the changes you begin to see in your work-life balance in the long run.

From my own answers to these questions, I stated to myself that I'm going to start by simplifying my schedule and delegating more tasks to others where needed. I'm also going to make time for hobbies and activities that I enjoy alleviating stress. And it's important for me to find a balance between work and play.

Hey there – have you been struggling with burnout or getting so stressed out that you need a break? Then try out GrowthDay! An all-in-one app that cultivates happiness and positive self-growth thinking as well as teaching you techniques to use in your daily life. GrowthDay will help you become more effective in your day and teach you ways to avoid that feeling of burnout and overwhelm. There’s even the option to journal inside GrowthDay, do daily life-scores, challenges and more! Give the 14 day FREE trial a go today.