Keys to Stopping Burnout Before It Starts

Workplace burnout can significantly affect your mind and body causing you to suffer from exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression. If you don't make positive changes as soon as you become aware you may be burning out, the condition can lead to even more severe health problems such as heart attacks or strokes.

In order to avoid #burnout, it's important to get into a habit of recognizing its warning signs so you can stop it before it begins. Even some relatively simple life changes may make it more likely for you to avoid burnout altogether.

Here are some tips you can try to keep burnout at bay:

Analyze your workload. It's easy to take on too much without realizing it. With news of layoffs on television and social media nearly every day, you may be consciously, or even subconsciously taking on more work than you can handle in hopes of not being on the list of layoffs at your office. If you continue to run on overdrive without giving yourself a break, you're likely to reach burnout sooner, rather than later. You have two choices when it comes to altering your workload:

First, you can adopt some time management techniques in order to work more efficiently. You'll be able to get more done in less time. If you're in a lead role, I suggest you practice the art of delegation.

Second, you can drop things from your workload. This may not be ideal, but it's important for the sake of your health and happiness.

If a #layoff is pending at your office and your concern is that you may be on that list, there's nothing you can do at this point to change that fact. What's done is done and often, layoffs have nothing to do with performance, so don't worry too much, but prepare now. Layoffs are more about a company's need to reduce expenses after a major acquisition, executive bonus payouts, lawsuits, poor leadership, or other factors beyond your control, so don't sweat it. Layoffs happen to everyone at some point in their #career.

Avoid exhaustion. When you're in tune with your body, you can sense when you're reaching a point of exhaustion. As soon as you start to feel this way it's time to stop and make a change. You can book a mini vacation, go on a day trip, enjoy the relaxing coastal views train rides offer, or you can spend time at home. The important thing to remember is that you need to leave your sources of #stress behind.

For immediate improvements add drinking more water, I suggest alkaline water and drinking less coffee throughout your day to offset stress and anxiety and improve health overall.

Change is good. If after you try some quick fixes for immediate relief, you keep reaching a point where you think you'll burn out anyway, then it's time to make a major life change. Perhaps it's time to start looking for a less stressful job. A change in your #job, company, or boss can be exactly what you need right now. Consider these options and also think about doing something completely different in your next role. This will help break up the monotony and get the creative juices flowing again. You can always return to the work you did before after you're feeling stronger.

Take breaks. There is a reason why it's mandatory to offer breaks to employees. You need breaks to refresh, rejuvenate, and renew your mind. Go for a 10-minute walk outside, play a Sudoku puzzle, or just get away from your source of tension for a few minutes.

I work from home, and I can be here for days on end and begin to feel a little stir-crazy after a while. I always enjoy getting out on nice days for fresh air and sun. Today was nice, so I went across the street to Cost Plus World Market to pick up some teas, and felt like I walked into a retreat. Looking at and touching the beautiful furniture and pillows and the little bit of people interaction I got from engaging with two clerks and one customer was just enough "peopling" to make me feel renewed. I came back home, made a cup of Chaga Chai (it taste terrible-I regret buying it), finished this blog, and visited with my mom before preparing for this week's YouTube Videos. These little outings give me the boost I need to keep going.

Ask for help. Sometimes we feel so alone with problems that we forget to ask for help, yet that just might be the antidote to our stress. Talk to your partner, friend, or personal coach to vent your frustrations and seek advice. If you need professional help from a career coach, click this link to be taken to my coaching page on the Careerspresso website. I'd be happy to help.

Learn to say no. There is a difference between someone who is open and accommodating and someone who says yes to everything. If you tell everyone yes, it's likely that some will take advantage of you. Learn that sometimes saying no is in your best interest, so take care of yourself first.

The Time Factor

In the end, the most important tip is to listen to what your inner self is telling you. If you've taken on too much, make a list to determine what needs to get done immediately and prioritize or delegate the rest.

Take Time To Reset

If you ever start to panic, take a few breaths, go out for a walk, or close your eyes and count to 100 to reset your calm. Vent to friends, yourself, or a journal. Pent-up emotions are likely to lead to unwanted burnout, so learn healthy and constructive ways to release them.

These are just a few strategies to stop burnout and enjoy your life. Take action and implement these tips today, and you'll soon be free from the crushing pressure of burnout.

I sincerely hope this information was helpful and as always, I wish you all the best in your job search, career advancement, or business building - wherever you are in life right now.