Tips for Avoiding Professional Burnout
Professional burnout is a real thing, and it can happen to anyone, no matter how passionate they are about their work. If you feel like you’re constantly working, but not getting anywhere or are constantly feeling overwhelmed and stressed out you might be experiencing professional burnout.
Professional burnout is a condition that can occur when someone has been overworked or stressed out for a prolonged period of time and it can have serious consequences not only on your business but more importantly on your health, both mental and physical.
Signs of Professional Burnout
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, you might be suffering from professional burnout:
- You’re always tired, even if you’ve had a full night’s sleep
- You can’t focus on anything and your productivity has decreased
- You’re easily irritable and snap at people more often
- Your health has deteriorated, both mentally and physically
- You’ve lost your passion for work and everything feels like a chore
- You’re constantly anxious and stressed out
Ways to Avoid Professional Burnout
While the repercussions of professional burnout are serious, there is something you can do about it. So how do you avoid professional burnout? Here are a few tips you can implement today.
Make sure you're taking breaks.
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and walk around, get some fresh air, or do something that will help you relax and rejuvenate. This is especially important on overly stressful days.
It is okay to walk away and take a minute to focus on something else. Go to lunch with a friend, take a drive, or even just step away from your desk for a few minutes and take some deep breaths.
Don't try to do everything yourself!
One of the biggest causes of professional burnout is trying to do everything yourself. If you’re constantly taking on new projects and responsibilities, it’s so important to delegate some of those tasks to others. This will help lighten your load and give you some much-needed time to focus on other things.
It's okay to say no.
Don’t take on more than you can handle just because you feel like you have to. If you’re already stretched thin, adding more to your plate is only going to make things worse. It’s better to do a few things well, then a lot of things poorly. Prioritize what is most important to you and your brand, stick with it and try not to get sidetracked.
Set clear boundaries.
One of the best ways to avoid professional burnout is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. When you’re at work, focus on work and when you’re at home, focus on relaxing and spending time with loved ones. While you may not always be able to leave work at work, it’s important to have a healthy balance between the two.
Rediscover your WHY.
When you’re feeling lost or uninspired, it can be helpful to rediscover your why. Why did you start doing this work in the first place? What are your goals? What is your mission? Reminding yourself of your purpose can help you push through tough times and avoid burnout.
Make time for yourself.
In addition to setting boundaries between work and personal life, it’s important to make time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, going for a run, or just taking some time to read your favorite book, carving out some time each day to do something that you enjoy will help you avoid burnout. If it helps, put it on your calendar. It may seem silly or selfish, but it will be so important in the long run!
Talk to someone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re on the verge of burning out, it’s so important to talk to someone. This could be a friend, family member, or even your therapist. It’s important to communicate how you’re feeling and what you need in order to avoid burnout.
Rediscover the joy!
Try to find the joy in what you’re doing. If you’re passionate about your work, it will be so much easier to avoid burnout. But even if you’re not head-over-heels in love with your job, there are still ways to find enjoyment in it. Maybe it’s the people you work with or the satisfaction of completing a project. Whatever it is, try to focus on the positive and find ways to enjoy your work.
Get out of town!
No, seriously. One of the best ways to avoid professional burnout is to get away from it all. This doesn’t mean you have to jet-set off to an exotic location, but it does mean taking some time for yourself.
Whether it’s a long weekend at home or a week-long trip somewhere new, getting away from work will help you recharge and come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Get up and move your body.
It may be the absolute last thing you want to think about or do after a long day at work but exercise is so important for both our physical and mental health. When we’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to get our bodies moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It’s also a great way to clear your head and refocus your energy.
Keep yourself organized, professionally and personally.
This one may seem obvious but it’s extremely important. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a step back and get organized. This could mean cleaning up your desk, creating a to-do list, or even just taking a few deep breaths. Whatever it is, find what works for you and stick with it!
Get more rest.
This is probably the most important one on the list. When we’re tired, we’re more likely to be irritable, stressed, and unmotivated. Not to mention, our work suffers when we’re sleep-deprived. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. This means making sleep a real priority. Your mind and your body will thank you!
Avoid the Burnout Today!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation. Are you taking on too many tasks? Is your workload manageable? Are you working reasonable hours? Take some time for yourself to evaluate your work-life balance and make changes if necessary. Burnout is a very real condition that can have serious consequences, so don’t ignore the warning signs.