Sarah Guirguis It is the query of the century – how can one maintain a lively schedule without burning out sooner or later? Is burnout inevitable? Well, no, not necessarily. Here are some practical ways to avoid it and make the best of your time at work, at home and when you go out.
Take real vacations and really unplug
Being passionate about work is one thing but being a workaholic is another. Taking days off to travel and put your feet up is not only meant to refresh you, it is vital to keep you sane.
“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
– Maya Angelou
Be intentional about joy
At work, choose to be friends with your colleagues. Or choose a new job with people you can enjoy being around five days a week. Make jokes and connect with others; don’t take everything so seriously. Also, make time for coffee or brunch with friends who refresh and inspire you. It is always good for the soul to have fun on a regular basis.
“If you are losing your leisure, look out! It may be that you are losing your soul.”
– Virginia Woolf
Schedule in some me time
Whether to journal and reflect, read a book you love, watch your favorite show or go shopping, me-time is a daily essential.
“If you don’t take time out for yourself, you’re doing yourself and everyone around you a disservice.”
– Melissa Ambrosini
Take naps in the middle of a long day
If you have five places to be at in one day, you can definitely use a 15 or 30-minute nap in the middle of your day. Rest up! Not only will it re-energize you, it will make you feel better for the rest of the day.
“With great power… comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”
– Rick Riordan
Know your limits
In a relationship where a friend talks about nothing but problems and toxic drama, you need to set boundaries. Your ears can only hear enough before it starts to affect you with negative emotions. At the office, if you’re working too much all the time, tune in with yourself before you reach your breaking point.
Find a hobby or workout
There is something about doing an early morning workout that helps you prepare for the day. Or an evening workout that allows you to blow off steam after a long day at work. There is also something so freeing and valuable in setting time aside to paint, dance and let your creativity flow.
