How to Avoid Being Burned Out With These 3 Easy Effective Tips

“You are not lost, you are redirecting.

You are not a failure, you are learning.

You are not behind, you are preparing.” Unknown?

Burnout is a real, quite damaging condition, and nothing to be ashamed about. Once you allow yourself to suffer too long in a burnout condition, it can be difficult to turn your life around. This is why it is necessary to consciously recognize when this is happening then take steps tailored to your needs toward avoiding burnout.?

Here are a few reminders to protect your overall wellbeing and BELIEVE again in yourself to combat overwhelming exhaustion.?

1.?????? Set Boundaries?

No matter your profession, employed or self-employed, it’s important to have boundaries. For example, you can’t be available around the clock; this is simply unrealistic and impossible! From the onset of any new relationships or situation, be clear as to when you will not be accessible. Then be true to your word.?

I worked with many realtors a while back.? They prided themselves on being readily available, especially during low inventory markets, to any client or prospect. Even on holidays! It backfired.? The one time you choose not to reply to their call, email, or text, you feel their stinging disappointment later. Train others from the start and reinforce by not breaking your own rule.?

To prevent burnout and take any self-imposed pressure off, establish times you will not be available in the office, by phone, or email. If you are in a management position or business owner, it might help to post these hours somewhere or adjust your email autoreply, so people know when they can expect you to answer. ??

2.????? Have A Work-Life Balance?

To those corporate high achievers and passionate solopreneurs, I get it! All work and no play will drain your inner energy batteries and zap your coping skills with other challenges.

In addition to setting boundaries, give yourself permission to be a Human Being and not just a Human Doing. Life may be hard, especially when the unexpected happens, but it was never intended to be joyless.?

You have earned and deserve time to do things that aren't workplace related. Believe that.?

Make appointments with yourself for your hobbies, your family, and doing what you love. Keep it simple, like taking one afternoon a week to go for a walk in your favorite park. Whatever it may be, it must be something you want to do, and you need to put your foot down (diplomatically) if work ever tries to interfere with your time (there’s that “boundary” thinking again!).?

??INSIGHT: If you do not respect yourself, you have conditioned others not to respect you. ??

3.????? Put Yourself First?

You know YOU better than anyone else (if not, work on that). Whatever could be going on in your business or at your job, once you start not feeling well, are overwhelmed, and UNFOCUSED, be sure to STOP.?

Reassess the situation (check in with the head trash voices) then put yourself first. Even if your team has just started a new project or a customer wants immediate attention, if you need a mental health day, take it (Airplane Oxygen Mask Principle). ?

Those who lean on you need you to be your best self. When your mental abilities begin to deteriorate, so will your quality of performance and patience. No one wins then.?

Dealing with any perceived competition or chastisement from a state of strength is more likely to be successful. Believe that.?

When you start to feel the signs of an illness, it may be tempting to minimize and go to work anyway. Your symptoms will intensify. If others get sick, guilt will put you closer to burnout. Stay home and rest instead. ?On the 7th Day a force bigger than all of us did just that too.?

In this highly demanding age to be everything to everyone instantly, it may seem difficult to avoid the condition of burnout. But you can stay in better control with these three simple strategies—set boundaries, have a work-life balance, and put yourself first. You'll also go through life feeling less stressed.?

AND…. Who doesn’t want more joy at work and home??

"Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." --Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh?

FOCUSING Leaders Forward,?

Donna?

#focusedleaders #believeinyourself #entrepreneurship #executives

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