Burnt out? Find out how to change things for the better!
Feeling burnt out can be the result of prolonged periods of stress. Your physical and emotional reserves are diminished to the point where you cannot cope. Job-related stress burnout is common. To prevent burnout and succeed in business, here are my proven tips on how to get motivated.
- Take time out for yourself
You may have worked yourself to the core at work and have found taking it easy difficult. Go and do what you love, take that spa day, join a group that you have always wanted to join.
Take time off work for as long as you are able and from your normal routine. For example, take time off from housework or, if possible, from taking care of the children. This will help to give your body and mind a chance to begin recovery. Once you return to work make sure to continue with your hobbies and find time to relax.
- Keep your mind and body healthy
Make sure to exercise regularly, if possible. Start small with ten minutes of light exercise, such as a gentle walk. Work up to thirty minutes a day and increase the intensity of the exercise to what you feel comfortable with. You can stick to walking or take a run around the park. Whatever exercise you do will be beneficial for the health of your mind and body. Ensure you choose exercise that you like to do as you will be more likely to do it.
Practice relaxation exercises every day to train your body to relax. You will be more able to cope with stress if it does come around.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet as this improves energy levels and mood. Get enough sleep and in a regular pattern.
- Re-evaluate your work
This is one of the most important steps: Identify the specific problem or problems with your work. Were you working too hard or beyond the remit of your role? Were you stuck in the same role for too long? Were you feeling unappreciated or working in a toxic environment?
If you are not the ultimate boss, be proactive and talk to your superiors about the problem. They may be able to give you a new role or stop giving you more tasks than you can cope with. If change in your current role is not possible then you may have to consider quitting to avoid getting into a similar situation in the future. Make certain that your next role is less stressful and that you can take it slower than before. If you are the ultimate boss, ensure you create your role that fits with your skills and the time that is best for you to devote to it.
- Re-evaluate what you want from life
After burnout you can take what you have learnt and discover a new direction in life. You may wish to look at the goals you had surrounding your role and work out if those are realistic and achievable given what you now know. It is empowering to know your limits. What is important is finding out what makes you really happy. Having a job where you get more time for yourself and to spend with the people you love may be what you want but never realised. One of my most successful business clients regularly leaves at 4 p.m. for tennis. The more time he takes off, the more his business prospers
- Get support
Burnout can cause you to protect the little energy you have by isolating yourself. Your friends and family are important and can support, listen and help you through this difficult time. Sharing your feelings with others can help to relieve some of the burden you are feeling. Don’t forget to delegate more.
Follow these five steps and expect your life and your business to be much more stress-free.
What methods do you use to boost your mood and banish stress? What works for you?
This article was written by Karen Skehel