Burnout is a term used to express exhaustion. This can be mental, emotional or physical which is mainly caused because of stress. We may have experienced burnout's before the pandemic but it was so much more significant during these times.
From students who have been forcefully sitting for classes with very little breaks in between classes to working professionals having to work at odd hours of the day and staying online for longer durations, to creators being forced to stay relevant and active by the social media algorithms, we have experienced burnout to some extent at least.
In this article, I'm going to share some of the techniques that I have been following to avoid burnout and I hope you find these useful too. So, let's get started.
1. Create a Plan
Create a plan for the entire year, the next 6 months, a month or a week whatever works for you. Write down the outcomes that want to accomplish at the end of the week. For example, if you have meaning to start a passion project, write down the first steps that you would accomplish in the coming week.
This should be something you would look forward to. Something that makes you feel accomplished at the end of the marked period.
2. Create a To-Do List
Now that you have the plan in place, break it down into smaller digestible chunks and create a to-do list. While creating a to-do list don't overwhelm yourself by jotting down way too many things than you can accomplish in the said period. Make sure the list is actionable and doesn't make you anxious by looking at it.
Once you're done creating the to-do list, mark out the one or two tasks that would take the highest precedence. This should be such a task that, even if the other items in your to-do list are not completed, this would still be completed.
This would be the task that you would work on when you have the highest energy during the day. This concept is from the book 'Eat that Frog'. This highest priority task would be the first task that you start your day with and complete. Doing it ensures that you tick off the highest priority task from your to-do list and feel accomplished.
3. Batching Work
Another technique that helps to tick off tasks from your to-do list is batch related tasks. Mundane chores such as doing the dishes, laundry or folding out freshly washed clothes, can be batched together and completed in one go. You don't have to really think and are able to tick off your to-do list faster.
During your work hours, you could dedicate a fixed time of the day to clear out pending emails and reply to all of them in one sitting.
4. Include Self Care in Your Daily Schedule
Block out times during the day when you would be giving yourself the utmost priority. Your physical and mental health. Try not to skip these times, because these are the times that would help you recharge your batteries and know when you're about to reach the breaking point. Set work boundaries and disconnect from your digital life and work during these times to reap maximum benefits.
Build routines for your self-care and stick to it.
Here's an article that would help you stick to your habits: 6 Full-Proof Ways to Stick to a New Habit
Making self-care part of your routine is extremely important. It would be your daily dose of getting in touch with how you're feeling.
If you're looking to start a Self-Care Habit, you may want to check out this article:
5. Take that Break
There will be times when you don't want to do the work. Listen to your body and take that break and don't overwork yourself. Your mind and body sense when things are going out of control. Take that break when you need to.
And most importantly don't feel guilty about it. Take it as many times as you require. I promise you would come back recharged and with a lot more positive energy than before. You have a renewed energy to accomplish the tasks and will be able to do it with a lot more vigour.
That's about it guys!
I hope you found this useful. Do let me know in the comments section below. How do you avoid burnout? Let me know in the comments below and I would be
happy to learn from you.
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Until next week,
Hugs!
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