Driving long-term well-being. How to tackle burnout.

What it takes to get transformation right, set a path to self-improvement to operate better today, and handle disruption and change tomorrow with an energised temperament is essential to well-being. Many professionals turn to transformation because they want to capture untapped potential or realise personal growth or efficiency gains. Yet transformations take work to get right. Our research shows less than a third of transformations reach their goals to improve personal performance and sustain these improvements over time.

Burnout is more common in a time of disruption. How do you know you have the symptoms? Your productivity suffers, and depression is common. Tackling your biochemistry is just for starters. So how can you get the most out of life before becoming a flaming candle? One session of mindfulness at a time. Mindfulness means many things to many individuals and ranges from quiet brooding to a method that stills the mind so that an ocean of pure awareness removes any obstruction to beatitude. Self-knowledge is the shortest and most direct path to sanity.

Some people refuse to acknowledge this, but you do so at your own risk. Burnout happens most to high achievers who think they can walk on water.?Best not to wait for your?Thelma & Louise?moment. Positive psychology dictates that health and well-being should be your priorities. Behavioural psychologists stipulate that you should take this matter in hand long before "going over the wall".

How to avoid burnout by using your emotional intelligence

The root causes of emotional and physical fatigue can stem from a lack of sunlight, a cold climate, physical illness, or overwork.?The telltale signs should be obvious, but with the hectic schedules we all lead, they may not be as apparent as you think. Make note that burnout is an equal opportunity employer. Listen to your body's signals as it impacts your immune system.

1. Chronic Fatigue. Everyone gets tired, but chronic fatigue is different altogether. If your muscles hurt and your back is stiff, this is a classic sign of burnout in the process.?Exercise and yoga can stretch out your muscles, but sometimes this can exacerbate the problem.?A steam bath or sauna can be a good remedy, followed by a deep tissue massage.?When your body tells you that you need rest, listen up before you wind up in bed for two weeks with something more than burnout. Vitamins and specific tonics with ginseng, royal jelly, and mushrooms can assist your body in dealing with fatigue.?It is much better than coffee and will strengthen your immune system.?If you are in a position to do so, take a break to a tropical island, bask in the sun, and listen to reggae.

2. Getting sick during the holidays. This is a classic. It is also your body's way of telling you enough is enough.?Take this as a blessing, and sleep and rest.?Your physical form is more intelligent than you give it credit for.?It knows when it must go into the shop for repairs.?This is the perfect time to detoxify and put yourself on a temporary fresh juice diet. Supplement this regime in the evening by drinking hot broth from vegetable stock—the Chinese swear by this.?Do your immune system a great favour. Give it time to repair itself.

3. Hormonal Issues. Both men and women have hormonal issues. When this happens, burnout is just a click away, although it can vary according to the age of your physical form.?Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine prescribe diverse herbal concoctions to help your body heal properly.?Do not prescribe for yourself unless you are seriously well up on the subject. Go to an expert.?How do you know whether your hormones are out of balance? Simple.?If you are irritable, over-emotional, or partially depressed, your hormones are out of sync.?There is nothing to be ashamed of. Burnout can happen to anyone.?Work stress always has adverse effects on your endocrine system. Stop being in denial; do something positive about it.

4. Loss of Libido. Everyone feels that they should be rolling in the hay twenty-four-seven given cultural attitudes towards sex.?Even though hay rolling is fun, relieves stress, and can be very enjoyable with the person you love, your libido reflects your emotional and physical state.?If yours is ebbing, don't beat up on yourself.?Just take it as a sign that your body calls out for attention.

5. Decrease your consumption of?alcohol. Nearly everyone loves a cocktail or glass of wine in the evening to unwind.?It takes the edge off and puts us in relaxation mode.?Some prefer the Bob Marley path to R&R.?Whatever your preference, recognise that if you abuse this stuff, you could be headed down a dark tunnel that will take severe will and treatment to come back from.?Lord knows I am not a puritan.?However, I recognise that it is easy to slip when not feeling up to the mark.?This could be the perfect time to give the intoxicants a break for a while.

6. Emotional Intelligence?demands finding your?"why." There is a simple truth: working longer hours does not mean you are more productive.?It indicates that you are obsessive and do not manage your time correctly.?Do not be swayed by the lunacy of others or the sickness which is rampant in most corporate cultures. Know your?purpose, and you will be better at what you do.?Don't wait until you are fired or have a nervous breakdown to straighten out your true priorities. Take a page out of the Muddy Waters handbook, and your Mojo will be working fine.

7. Put an end to addictions. Everyone is addicted to something.?The question is, what are you addicted to? If it is bhajans and mindfulness, that's fine because these practices cultivate well-being.?The problem doesn't lie there.?If they are frank with themselves, most people will see that they are addicted to the approval of others.?This practice is distinctly unhealthy and will manifest in your body as genuine ailments.?Learn to be mindful so that you are in command of your monkey mind.?Should you have the grace to go on a holiday, leave your laptop and phone turned off.?Yes, you've heard this chestnut before.?However, have you complied? Give it a go, and you will see no news is good news.

8. Stop feeling guilty. Life is about choices. Everyone has a choice. Not choosing to act for whatever reason, is also a choice. Start to make time for yourself. Nobody can do this for you.?Stop feeling guilty for things you say you should do and do not take the time to do.?Positive psychology demands that you forget excuses and implement change not tomorrow or next week, but now.?Once you do, you will be thankful that you are now back in the driver's seat of your true destiny.

About the author

Andrew Scharf is an Award-Winning MBA Admissions Consultant ?? Executive & Career Coach recognised for helping top performers, and aspiring professionals be all they can be. His?mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world at Whitefield Consulting. Have a professional project you would like to discuss? Send him a DM for an appointment.