How to avoid burnout before it hits

Burnout is serious condition. You might recognise it by feeling overwhelmed or being stretched to the max. Or, you might have frequent headaches, have trouble concentrating, feel ill more frequently, or experience anxiety.

If you don’t address burnout promptly, everything from your mental and physical health to your career and your relationships may suffer. 

So, if your Monday to Friday feels like forever, here are my five top tips to prevent full blown burnout. 

✅ 1. Make a healthy routine   

You’ve got to treat yourself right – it’s the best way to gain resilience to daily challenges. Prioritise eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and socialising. 

✅ 2. Make tiny tweaks to make your day more pleasant  

No matter whether you’re working, studying or taking care of the kids, you need to have some moderation. Day to day, that means taking short breaks. Remember to look at the big picture too, which means scheduling time off throughout the year – even it’s for a local staycation. It’s healthy to have space from your 9-5.  

✅ 3. Make time for your passions  

Nurture the things you love doing and it will enrich your weekly routine and give you something to look forward to. Not sure what your passions are? Learn how to get creative or active in a way that’s purely for your own enjoyment.  Try out a new hobby or a virtual event from the comfort of your own home, like taking a free yoga class.

✅ 4. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be filled with angst. They just let everyone know what the rules are. Boundaries are simply a reflection of your values in life and, they keep everyone safe. So, if there’s an expectation in your office that everyone stays back, set a new boundary that you’ll go home on time, but perhaps be available during certain hours to log on remotely (if necessary). Yes, this means others will have to adjust to your different boundaries, but I assure you, they will live.

✅ 5. Be kind to yourself and remember that it’s a process  

Treat burnout one day at a time, and approach it from a place of self-love and compassion. 

And remember if you’ve tried these tips and aren’t seeing an improvement in your overall mood, reach out to a support group or professional. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. 💪

Until next time, master your mindset, secure your success.