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With today's interconnected world, it is getting harder to separate work from home. If you find yourself answering emails in the evening, eating lunch at your desk, or staying up nights worrying about unfinished work, you may be headed for a burnout.
But what exactly is burnout? Originally associated with healthcare professionals, burnout is a condition that can occur in any profession, according to MedicalNewsToday. It happens due to the constant stress associated with overworking for long periods of time and people who are overachievers are prone to burnout.
This can also happen in your personal life if you are having a stressful period but there are ways to prevent feeling overwhelmed. From implementing self-care to setting healthy boundaries, you can learn to maintain a sustainable balance in your life. Here are seven tips to help prevent burnout.
Start setting boundaries
One way to prevent burnout is to set healthy boundaries for yourself. Boundaries are the personal limits that you establish for what is acceptable and comfortable to you. This helps other people understand your expectations. It is ok to say no to something that doesn’t feel right to you, like working over holidays instead of spending time with family or friends.
Establish a work-life balance
There has to be an off switch and a clear separation of your work time and your personal time. You can prevent burnout by establishing a work-life balance. There are also other benefits to this including increased productivity and job satisfaction. That’s because people who have time for activities they enjoy doing are happier at home and work.
Prioritize yourself
You can prioritize yourself by doing self-care. These are the things that can improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Self-care is different for everyone. For some people it could be eating healthy food, getting enough rest, reading a book, listening to music, or just spending time with friends. Prioritizing these activities can help you manage stress and prevent burnout.
Get enough sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep every night will help reduce stress and could stave off burnout, according to the career guide Indeed. If you are having trouble turning off your restless mind and getting to sleep there are things you can do to promote calm before bed. These include turning off devices, doing calming activities like meditation, or taking a relaxing bath.
Take breaks at work
Your body needs down time during the day too. Constant sitting and screen time can take a toll on your wellbeing. So make sure you take breaks at work. Get up and walk around or take a coffee break every couple of hours. Also make sure you do not skip lunch or eat at your desk. A good way to make the most of your lunch hour is to walk outside and take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and it takes your mind off of work. Even if you can’t take time to hit the gym, there are plenty of other options. You can do morning yoga to start your day off right. Walk or bicycle to work or to the train. Take a walk or go to the gym during your lunch hour. Moving your body is a good way to relieve stress and prevent burnout.
Have a support network
Having a strong support network of family and friends that you can share your feelings with is very important, according to MedicalNewsToday. Even if people do not share the same experiences and stressors, having someone to talk to and provide encouragement can help reduce stress and anxiety. You can also seek professional help if you experience the symptoms of burnout.
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