Preventing Burnout: 6 Self-Care Strategies You Need to Know!
Down and Worn Out
The daily grind can be demanding and stressful in equal measure. Whether it creeps up slowly on you, or it overwhelms you in one fell swoop, it can leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted – in other words, you can experience burnout.
Burnout is not a light matter. It can decrease your productivity, which could have negative consequences on your output at work, as well as on your personal life and relationships. What’s more, it can have severe effects on your overall health, such as fatigue, depression, heart disease and high blood pressure, all of which can lead to a reduced quality of life.
If you think that you’re suffering from burnout, then read on to find out what you can do to overcome it.
Pick-Me-Uppers
Having recognised the signs of burnout, it’s time for you to take action to address it. Here’s how you can:
1. Make Time For Breaks
Taking breaks throughout the day is a great stress-reliever. Whether it’s taking a short walk outside by yourself or with a friend, grabbing a snack and a coffee from your favourite cafe around the corner, participating in your favourite hobby (more on this later!), or indulging in meditation or yoga for half an hour, giving yourself time to unwind and reboot is absolutely crucial to your health.
2. Leave The Work at Work
It’s easier said than done, but you need to learn how to disconnect from work before it starts creeping into your personal time. Start by setting boundaries to create a clear distinction between work and home life. For example, once you leave the office, try not to check your work email or think about what assignments need to be completed until you’re back at work the next day.
3. Prioritise “Me Time”
Do you like gardening, playing music or carrying out DIY projects? Do you enjoy spending time with your family and friends? Perhaps you like a combination of both – either way, it’s important that you don’t neglect the people or things that bring you joy.
Make sure to spend some quality time with your loved ones, whether it be at a restaurant, a cinema or even at home. Additionally, don’t be afraid to indulge in hobbies or activities that make you happy. Overall, these can help reduce stress and improve your well-being.
4. Keep Up Healthy Habits
Wellness is key to keeping burnout at bay. Making sure you eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep are all important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can also try incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises, all of which can also help you unwind and de-stress after a long day.
5. Reach Out
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you’re on the point of being burnt out, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you can trust for emotional support. Talk to a friend and/or family member about how you’re feeling, as they might be able to provide you with helpful advice or simply lend a listening ear, which can go a long way in helping you feel better.
If you’re really struggling to cope, consider seeking professional health: you’d do well to speak to a therapist or counsellor, as they can provide you with the means to help you manage stress and avoid burning out.
6. Holiday Time
Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to help you recharge your batteries. Take a break from your daily responsibilities by booking yourself a holiday – short or long, depending on your availability – to a beach resort, a nature retreat or out of the country. That way, you can relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Rise Again
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your work responsibilities. By implementing these strategies and making self-care a priority, you can prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and focus on your well-being – just don’t wait until it has completely worn you down. Now, go and treat yourself, because you deserve it!