7 Things to Do to Keep From Burning Out

Are you feeling burned out? Have you ever been burnt out? Chances are high that the answer is yes. There are ways to prevent burnout.

Here are seven ways to keep yourself from burning out:

1. Recognize burnout for what it is: a form of exhaustion. It is caused by excessive and extended physical, emotional, and mental stress. Good news– this list will help you prevent burnout as well as recover from it.
2. Admit it! Some people wear burnout like a badge of honor, but most people hide, deny, and downplay their burnout. Denial will likely only make it worse. So go ahead and admit it– you get burnt out. You will be more proactive in preventing it when you can admit it.
3. Work on balance. Although work is a major cause of burnout, it is just one of the components. We need to clarify boundaries. You need a sustainable balance between the demands of work and life. This balance will help in preventing burnout.
4. Gratitude. It’s simple to start– identify three things you are thankful for (big or small). Every time you do, this helps to prevent burnout. Building the practice of gratefulness in your life is one of the best ways to reduce stress, create happiness, and prevent burnout.
5. Create routines. Routines can help release our conscious minds from decision-making and prevent burnout. Think of routines that can help reduce your stress. Build routines that give you space in your day that will allow for time to think.
6. Find meaning in your work: That doesn’t mean work harder, but when you work, find joy in it. Joy and satisfaction will counterbalance the onset of burnout.
7. Create space and solitude— turn of your electronics, put down your phone, turn off the internet. Start small– not looking at your phone for 30 minutes is a start. The longer and more frequent you can unplug, the less burnout you will experience in your life.

All of these are things you can do, and some can start immediately. Decide where to start. Which one (or more) is the most important for you to do? Decide which one and get started.

As a leader, you also need to be vigilant of signs of burnout on your team. You can use this list with your team, and help them to prevent burning out.

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