Avoid Burnout with These 3 Tips

Burnout is a real and quite damaging condition. Once you find yourself suffering
from burnout, it can be difficult to turn your life around. This is why it is necessary
to take steps to try and avoid burnout.

1. Set Boundaries

No matter what your profession may be, it’s important to have boundaries. You
can’t be available around the clock; this is simply impossible. So, to prevent
burnout, it’s critical to establish boundaries of times you will not be available. This
means that you won't be in the office or available by phone or email during these
times. If you are in a management position, it might help to post these hours
somewhere or adjust your email auto-reply, so people know you will answer as
soon as you are available.

2. Have A Work-Life Balance

Besides just setting boundaries, you need to have time to do things that aren't
workplace-related. This means you have time for your hobbies, your family, and
just doing what you love. This doesn't have to be complicated, and it could be as
simple as taking one afternoon a week to go for a walk in your favorite park.
Whatever it may be, it needs to be something you want to do, and you need to
put your foot down if work ever tries to interfere with your time.

3. Put Yourself First

Whatever could be going on at your job, if you start not to feel well or feel
overwhelmed, you need to put yourself first. This means that, even if your group
just started a new project, if you need a mental health day, you take one. You will
be no use to your group if you begin to feel burnout and your mental abilities
begin to deteriorate.
Putting yourself first is especially important when you start to feel the symptoms
of an illness. Although it may be tempting to say it's just a cold and go to work
anyways, this will only make you feel worse and put yourself closer to burnout.
Stay home and rest instead.

Overall, in this day and age, it may seem difficult to avoid the condition of
burnout. But you can—as long as you remember to set boundaries, have a work-
life balance, and put yourself first. And if you follow these tips, not only will you
avoid the damages of burnout, but you'll also go through life feeling less stressed
as well.