If you think you are suffering from burnout, or would like to prevent it, here are some simple measures you can take.
Burnout is a term to describe physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. It has become a significant health problem affecting wealth creation as more and more people find themselves living at an increasingly hectic pace, with little or no balance in their lives. Many people exhibit classic symptoms of chronic fatigue, stress and depression.
When we are overwhelmed by the demands of our lives, we often neglect such basic good health measures as rest, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, social and spiritual replenishment.
If you think you are suffering from burnout, or would like to prevent it, there are several things you can do:
- Stop and take a close, honest look at how you have been living for the past six months.
- Pay attention to the warning signs of emotional and physical exhaustion.
- Take charge of your life by resolving to slow down, prioritize, nourish yourself (physically, spiritually and emotionally) and focus on what is truly important to you.
- Build a support network of friends, family, and health care professionals.
- Don’t allow negative thoughts and events to cloud your vision of tranquility and perspective.
- Articulate a personal value system that daily decisions can be measured against.
- Minimize debt and habits of acquiring more stuff on credit.
It is important to remember that stress will always be a component of life. It is how we deal with it that determines whether we have made it into a damaging, destructive force, or a positive, constructive one.
If you make just one positive change per week in the way you manage stress, adding outdoor exercise, rest, family time, drinking more water and less alcohol or caffeine, you will be well on your way to eliminating and preventing burnout.