Avoid Getting Burned Out

So, on top of developing better health, losing weight, building muscle, or whatever other physical goals you have, you like have plenty of other tasks on your plate – work, family, friends, etc. And we’ve all had those moment where we’ve wanted to throw our hands in the air and give up (and then eat a whole tub of ice cream).

As we encounter more and more of those moments – regardless of their severity – they will build up over time and could ultimately lead to burning out. That pressure gradually builds up – pressure from within and from others – and can negatively affect our progress. It’s more than just feeling physically tired; you’ll also feel emotionally drained. It may be hard to find motivation or you may even feel depressed.

Your sleep, your appetite, your relationships, and your job may all be negatively affected by this burnout. You may feel like you’re losing self-control or becoming pessimistic. You may start having headaches or getting frequently sick.

There are plenty of symptoms of burnout, but there are also plenty of solutions:

• Take Time to Prioritize For a few days, just do the important, vital tasks – nothing more. You can’t necessarily escape it all, but try to escape what you can. Regenerate and relax.
• Take Care of Your Body This means eating right, exercising each day, and getting enough sleep. A healthy diet, along with adequate sleep and exercise, can help you get over any burnout.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Delegate Whether just temporarily (to deal with your current burnout) or for the longterm (to prevent future burnout) see what you can do about shifting your workload.
• Implement Appropriate Boundaries Don’t be afraid to tell someone “no” if it’s the only way to maintain your overall wellness. Also, stick to a pre-established so you don’t get spread too thinly.
• Have Some “Me” Time That may mean taking 30 minutes to watch one of those awful reality TV shows or spending an hour working on a hobby or talent.
• Make Time to Have Fun Life is meant to be enjoyed. Even if it’s just once a month, take a day to “get away from it all” by watching movies or going hiking.

None of us are free from the risk of burnout. But by taking care of yourself, you can prevent and overcome.

Scott Spjut is a writer and editor who has been featured in various magazines, newspapers and websites – including Newsweek, the Washington Post, CBS News and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Scott currently works with Professional Marketing International helping people change their lives.