Here's how you can prioritize self-care as an IT Strategy professional to prevent burnout.

I understand it is difficult to achieve, but nothing is impossible. Set boundaries: Schedule breaks and avoid constant reachability. Your brain needs downtime to recharge. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours a night. Sleep strengthens focus and reduces stress, making you more effective. Mental health days: Disconnect to recharge. Taking a day to de-stress can prevent burnout down the line. Healthy habits: Eat well, exercise regularly, and socialize with loved ones. A healthy body and mind are crucial for sustained performance. By following some (recommended all :-) ) you'll be better equipped to tackle IT strategy challenges and thrive in your career. There will definitely be few days when you won't be able to do a few but its ok

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential to maintain focus and ensure sufficient rest. Incorporate regular physical exercise into daily routines to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Pursue hobbies or interests outside of work for a balanced lifestyle and reduced mental fatigue."Something that does not involve strategy or much pre-planning (providing a sense of release) from daily norms" Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, box breathing, reading or journaling in small increments to manage stress and enhance focus."This clears the thinking noise" Seek support from friends, family or established professionals to build a strong support network for long term well-being.

Setting clear boundaries is crucial in a field as demanding as IT strategy. Define specific work hours and stick to them. Make it a point to communicate your availability to your team and clients, ensuring that they respect your personal time. This helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, crucial for long-term sustainability in your career.

Define Off-Hours: Establish specific times to disconnect from work communications. Limit Notifications: Turn off email and message alerts after work hours. Weekend Policy: Commit to not working on weekends to maintain work-life balance. Lead by Example: Set a healthy boundary precedent for your team. Example: If you decide that post-7 PM is family time, disable work email notifications on your phone during these hours to ensure you can unwind and focus on personal time. Clear boundaries are crucial in preventing burnout and enhancing productivity, fostering a healthier work environment and personal life.

Stress management is not just a buzzword, it's a necessary skill for survival in the tech industry. Develop a toolkit of stress-reduction techniques that work for you, such as mindfulness, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises. Regular use of these tools can help mitigate the high-pressure moments that are all too common in IT strategy roles.

Physical health is closely tied to mental health, especially for professionals in high-stress jobs. Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, whether it’s a morning jog, yoga, or a workout session. Pair this with a balanced diet and ample hydration to keep your body well-tuned and ready for any challenge.

No matter how competent you are, trying to handle everything yourself is a surefire route to burnout. Trust your team and delegate tasks effectively. This not only reduces your workload but also empowers your team members, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

It can be tempting to fill every spare minute with productive work, especially in a goal-oriented field like IT strategy. However, it’s important to prioritize downtime. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Whether it’s reading, a hobby, or spending time with loved ones, make sure to recharge your mental batteries.

For me, the key to preventing burnout is creating a consistency in your daily routine. Wake at the same time, regardless of location. Eat your routine breakfast. Complete your routine personal tasks (exercise, walk/run, read, family obligations, playing with pets) with the same allotted time (don't skimp or trim). This consistency will put you in the same mind frame every day, knowing that you have accomplished several personal items before the intense workday begins.

In order to apply the above 6 points, you have to have the right perspective. That includes: - Nobody is perfect. Perfect work does not exist (for long). So, be realistic in your planning and expectations to avoid disappointment (and burnout). - It is not your company. Even if you have some shares, you are not the ultimate owner. You have been hired to do your best and only that. The final decision belongs with someone else, and they are free to steer however they prefer. - The long term is what matters. To keep going, you have to bounce back from high-intensity periods, disappointing setbacks, and other energy-sapping incidents. So, distance yourself a little and be moderate in evaluating your wins and losses.