“You cannot burn out until you catch on fire.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

To burn out is not especially uncommon these days. With things getting more expensive, people therefore working harder and longer for less, burnout is becoming more and more likely. That isn’t to say that the dial isn’t swinging back the other way in some industries. Indeed, some industries are even more focused on work-life balance and flexible working than they have ever been.

I have felt myself burn out many times. Each time, for different reasons. I have burnt out because of boredom, receiving unjust treatment at work, overwork, tackling too many jobs at once, and simply feeling that my work-life balance is not offering me enough time to recharge. And so, you see, burnout occurs for many reasons, and that is just referring to one person’s experience.

All that said, I am much more adept at avoiding the burn than I used to be, and this is partially due to some of the following tips…

1. Take A Proper Day Off

If you have a day off, make sure you do exactly that. Many a time I have taken a day off and spent it feeling guilty that I am not being productive with my time. The fact is that rest is productive. If you worry about what you aren’t doing on a day off your brain never gets a chance to relax and recover. You’ll go back to work the next day not feeling rejuvenated at all. When you decide to spend a day doing nothing, enjoy a day genuinely doing nothing. Your resilience reserves will thank you for it in the long run.

2. How About A Holiday?

I never used to think I needed holidays until I went on one after a particularly busy year. When on holiday you have no choice but to put the issues of your day-to-day life to one side, for there is little you can do about them when you are in another country. It is an opportunity to get out of your head; a time for reflection and recuperation. I always return from a holiday feeling energised and inspired about the time ahead. Some of my most successful ideas have been born from the brain space allowed me by a holiday. Holidays can be much more than a luxurious frivolity; they can be truly invigorating.

3. Nothing is Worth Killing Yourself Over

Some people I know have been known (one of them might be me) to see tiredness as a badge of honour; a sign that extra effort has been put in or personal sacrifice has been made in order to make a thing happen. Sometimes working overtime is unavoidable, but the attitude that tiredness is a positive thing is not a particularly good one. First of all, rest is extremely important; it ensures that your mind and your body are healthy enough to function efficiently. The idea that if you haven’t burnt out you haven’t worked hard enough is an unhealthy one, but one that is extremely common. Know what rest you need and do your best to get it.

4. Respect Your Own Boundaries

More and more we live in a world where work hours are much more flexible. We are constantly contactable, meaning texts, phone calls and emails can come to us at any time of the day. And, with the rise in remote employment and freelancing, working from home is more popular. These things mean that the parameters between work time and leisure time are becoming blurred. Before you know it, you find yourself on call 24/7! If you are one of these people, set yourself working hours. Setting yourself a cut-off may be one of the most liberating things you ever do and will make a huge impact on your resilience in the long term.

5. Power Naps are Elite

Power naps are excellent. 20 minutes spent with your eyes closed might seem like a waste of time, but I can assure you that it is not. Not only does this allow for a surge of energy when the 20 minutes is over, but it is a bit of time in the day when you can shut out all external assault on your senses and enjoy some peace. We are constantly bombarded by stimulants throughout the day, if you can find 20 minutes in to shut your eyes and be quiet, you’ll be very pleased you did.

By Chris Thomson

 

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