Ways to avoid burnout
Burnout is so common nowadays and we usually only realise when exhaustion has hit. I work with ambitious and successful people who have a big vision which can often mean they neglect their own needs. With some lifestyle changes and support they gain important insight into how to achieve their dreams.
Over half of UK workers have experienced burnout in their current job, according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Virgin. Defined as fatigue, frustration, or apathy which results from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity, burnout can have physical, emotional and mental effects, and may lead to exhaustion or even prolonged time off.
If you want to avoid burn out, it pays to take matters into your hands. People on the brink of burnout usually want a quick fix to paper over the cracks but instead I recommend making long-term lifestyle changes that will increase your resilience and boost your capacity to handle stress.
Don’t ignore the warning signs “Listen to your body”
It sounds cheesy but the signs that you may be pushing yourself too hard are there to help us, yet we frequently ignore them. Low energy, poor concentration, irritability, palpitations, insomnia, and simply not feeling like yourself are all signs that something isn’t right. But we’re designed for survival, and being more in tune with what our bodies are telling us can help to nip burnout in the bud.
What’s driving you?
It’s one thing to know that you’re pushing yourself too hard at work, but quite another to get to the bottom of why. Often there’s something deeper going on. Fear of failure, worry about being exposed as a fraud, and not feeling good enough are the most common unconscious drivers of high achievers. It could be that what’s driving you to be successful is the very thing that also limits you.
Exercise some serious self-compassion
Look after yourself, and reflect on why those limiting beliefs are not true. Get some support to let them go, and be open to enjoying your success and happiness with a different mindset. Christopher Germer, clinical psychologist and author of The Mindful Path to Self Compassion puts it like this: “A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”
Make yourself a priority
Competing demands on our time and attention can result in neglecting our own health and wellbeing, but putting ‘you’ first is a vital step towards boosting your resilience and avoiding burnout.
We are often so busy maintaining careers, families and relationships – that we sometimes forget those things depend on us maintaining ourselves too.
What energises you?
Identify pastimes that help to recharge your batteries. Whether it’s catching up with a best friend, a hot bath, reading by yourself or going for a run, make a regular appointment with yourself to do something that truly gives you energy. Everyone needs something that ‘fills their cup’ regularly.
Ask for help
A lot of people aren’t very good at asking for help. But getting help to deal with rising stress-levels, whether that’s from a friend or a professional, can encourage reflection, which in turn makes your subjective thoughts more objective, helping you find solutions that you might otherwise have overlooked. Admitting you’re not superhuman is often the first step to changing your life for the better.
If you’d like to chat through some strategies then contact me directly to book in a call.