Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.
Burnout to the point of needing a vacation is not necessarily a bad thing. It shows you care about your work and want to do it well. Don’t feel too guilty about it — think of it as a sign that you need to slow down and recharge your batteries.
To prevent burnout, try these tips:
- Keep lists of what needs to get done. If you have too many things on your plate, learn how to delegate some tasks.
- Set boundaries between work and home life. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when asked to work overtime or take on additional projects.
- Don’t be afraid to take breaks during the day. A 10-minute break can help you return refreshed and ready for the next task on your list.
- Actively limit your time on social media at work (or anywhere else). It’s an easy way to waste time without even realizing it — only checking Facebook once or twice per day can save you hours over the course of a week.
- Sleep well and eat healthy meals throughout the day (and avoid sugary snacks). Taking care of yourself will make everything easier, including getting through a long, stressful workday.
- Communicate with others. The more people you have in your corner, the better off you’ll be when life gets tough or stressful. Don’t forget to seek support from friends, family members, and colleagues when things get rough at work.
- Figure out your priorities. What do you want out of life? How can your career help you achieve those goals? What are some ways that you can stop wasting time at work?
