How To Avoid Burnout

We have all reached a point in our working lives where we have felt tired and defeated. Repeated days of stress and anxiety can become overwhelming. Often, people confuse these feelings for burnout. 

Burnout, however, brings much deeper symptoms. There are three main things that happen when you experience burnout: you become chronically exhausted, detached from work, and increasingly ineffective on the job. It can be detrimental to your work and personal life. 

While exhaustion can be overcome with rest, a core part of burnout is a deep sense of setback. 

Here’s what to do before you reach burnout: 

Don’t Be Afraid To Say No 

It can be easy to fall into a routine of always pleasing others and taking on as many tasks as possible. Like everything else, saying “no” takes practice. Think about what’s really important to you and where you want to invest yourself. Boundaries aren’t set unless you create them yourself. 

Find Ways To Fully Unplug 

Don’t feel guilty for spending time doing activities you love, or even just resting. Getting away from everyday life is necessary. Unplugging could be as simple as taking a walk outside or revisiting an old hobby. If you put your efforts into recharging, you can come back refreshed and motivated. 

Recognize Your Accomplishments 

The path to burnout can stem from feeling defeated and not good enough. It can be easy to get caught up in to-do lists and schedules and forget what you have accomplished. A healthy way to break away from these feelings is to remind yourself of how far you have come. This will help you understand what you are capable of.

Change Your Environment 

Our environment plays a big role in our mood and productivity. If you find yourself struggling to get things done, switch up your environment. Get away from the desk and take a 10 minute walk. Let your eyes and brain rest and restore.

Remember The Big Picture 

Never lose sight of your why. Think of the end goal and focus on what steps you can take to reach that goal. Working for a purpose means you have found true meaning in your work. When there is meaning, it’s not just a job. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed and think you are on the road to burnout, come into our office and speak with our team of medical professionals. Our team helps patients in Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Aliso Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, and surrounding communities with their overall wellbeing. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.