Avoiding Burnout

Setting goals and being fueled by ambition are often considered two of the keys to success. However, taking a break from the daily grind is crucial to avoiding mental and physical exhaustion that can keep you from achieving your goals. Learning to work hard while maintaining the other parts of your life will help you avoid burnout.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO HAVE BALANCE.

It’s easy to be subjected to the idea that you must be “on” 24/7 to be successful. Social media feeds blast the message that you must never quit, or you will never be fulfilled. While you shouldn’t give up on your dreams, taking a break in order to perform your best is not failure. It is possible to work towards a goal and enjoy other parts of your life at the same time.

KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.

Sometimes things go wrong and that’s ok. Any project or new endeavor has ups and downs, and you will probably make a few mistakes. When mishaps come up, focus on what you learned from the situation, and if you can find the humor in it. Either way, you will have a great story to tell one day, and you are wiser because of it.

HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES IN VIEW.

Keep photos and other memories of your friends and family around you as a reminder of your life outside of work. It’s easy to take work home with you or become solely focused on the next item on your to-do list. Don’t forget to make time for your hobbies and the people and things you care about. Having a strong support network helps you remain resilient and overcome life’s difficulties.

STICK TO A ROUTINE.

Making time in your day for breaks will benefit your productivity and your overall health. If you tend to work late into the night or easily lose track of time, set alarms to remind you when it’s time to stop and rest. No matter if it’s walking your dog during lunch or taking a few hours to yourself on a Sunday, downtime helps you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next assignment. You may even come up with new ideas for that project you’re working on!

KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

If you notice you are easily irritated, feel more tired than usual or have stopped your normal self-care routine, these can be signs of burnout. Regularly check in with yourself regarding your mental and physical health. If you determine your life outside of work is being impacted by long hours or emotional exhaustion, it may be time to give yourself a break.

ADJUST YOUR PERCEPTION OF BEING PRODUCTIVE.

As you begin to find balance between work and your personal life, your perception of being productive might change. Committing to small, achievable goals is an easy way to manage your time and make daily progress toward your goals. Even if you do not complete everything on your to-do list, finding a pattern that works for you will help you feel accomplished each day.