5 Tips to Avoid Burning Out

Ang batang masipag, pag laki… pagod. – Ai Ai de las Alas (Filipino comedienne)

Translation: A hardworking child grows up to be… a haggard adult.

I came across this hilarious quote a few days ago. It’s true, isn’t it? Hardworking kids do get burnt out. They lose all enthusiasm for work and sometimes even for life. But no matter what your age, too much stress will take all the fun out of the things you once loved to do. It’ll make you look older than you actually are, and it can eventually kill you. You may still be on holiday right now, but you know all that unfinished work’s going to catch up with you by next week. These 5 easy tips can help you avoid burning out.

1) Exercise

The next time you start feeling overwhelmed by all the work you have to do, take a break and walk around for 5 minutes. The more you exercise, the more energy you have and the more endorphins (“happy hormones”) your body produces. You can substitute walking with stretching, lifting weights (like your paperweight), or yoga. 

 

2) Reschedule

Writing to-do lists is enjoyable for the workaholics I know. Why not make it easier for yourself by using these free time management tools? 

• The time-honored Gmail/Gcal combo: fast, easy, lightweight and versatile. Also my personal favorite.
• Remember the Milk: a new service that’s getting great reviews. Great for people on the go.
• Hassle Me: an oldie but goodie that still gets the job done.

You can check out Mashable’s 100+ More Ways to Organize Your Life for more time management tools.

 

3) Delegate

Some people burn out because they’re perfectionists who believe only they can get the job done right. But honestly, is a misplaced comma here and there worth a sleepless night spent doing a group report all by yourself?

 

4) Sleep

This is one of the most important things people can do to avoid burn out.  There’s just no substitute for it. 

 

5) Disconnect 

Limit the amount of time you spend answering emails, calls and texts, then stick to those limits. You may think that being available to others 24/7 is a good quality to have, but it can take a serious toll on your well-being. Anyone who expects you to be available all the time is unrealistic and unreasonable.

Just say no.

For example, you can promise yourself you won’t answer emails beyond 7 pm. You can also turn off your cellphone before you go to bed so you don’t get woken up in the middle of the night by unimportant texts. 

Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to meet the challenges of the new year with a refreshed and enthusiastic attitude.