Seven Ways to Prevent Burnout

Have you ever felt burnout? Are you feeling burnt out now? Chances are the answer to one of those questions is yes. Unfortunately, we often don’t think about it until we have arrived at that state of weariness, malaise, or exhaustion. Wouldn’t it be more helpful to think about preventing burnout than noticing it, and then trying to relieve it? Let’s look at seven proven ways for preventing burnout.

• Recognize burnout for what it is. Burnout is a form of exhaustion, caused by excessive and extended physical, mental, and emotional stress. You have likely experienced it. If you are experiencing it now, you are thinking more about curing it rather than preventing it. The good news is that this list to help you in preventing burnout will also help you recover from it. Regardless your current burnout level you must realize it can be a problem.  Recognizing the problem allows you to find ways to prevent it.
• Don’t hide or deny it. While some people seem to wear burnout like a badge of honor (Look how hard I’ve worked now, I am so burnt out!), but far more people hide, deny, or downplay it. Denial won’t prevent it in the future but will likely make it worse. Be willing to admit that you get burnt out, and you will be more proactive in preventing it.
• Continually work on balance. Work is a major cause of burnout, but for many, work is just one of the components. Preventing burnout can start with determining clear boundaries and working on finding clear work life balance. I have written and spoken about work life balance often (here , here, and here are just three examples).  We can become stressed, which leads to burnout, in either our work or life.  But the boundary between them, as we juggle, compensate, and try to do more in both areas is a significant problem. As you clarify your boundaries – to give you a sustainable balance between the demands of your work and life, you are taking a big step in preventing burnout.
• Be grateful. Building the practice of gratefulness in your life is one of the best ways to lower stress, prevent burnout and create more happiness. It is incredibly simple to start – you can do it right now. Identify three things you are thankful for. Whether big or small things, every time you do this you are helping prevent or reduce your burnout.
• Create helpful routines. Routines release our conscious mind from decision-making and prevent burnout. Build routines and habits that give you space in your day and time to think.  Specifically think of routines that could reduce your stress.  As those become automatic routines, you are actively preventing burnout every time you do them.
• Find meaning in your work. Finding meaning in your work doesn’t mean you will necessarily work harder, but whenever you work you will get more joy from it. Your joy and satisfaction will counterbalance the onset of burnout. Meaning alone won’t overcome an excessive workload but meaning in your work will always help you in preventing burnout.
• Turn off the internet. Put down your phone. Create space and solitude in your life.  You might have to start small – not looking at your phone for thirty minutes is a start – but the longer and more frequently you can unplug the less burnout you will have in your life.
• Do the stuff Mom taught you. You know, the things like:
  • Eat better
  • Exercise
  • Get more sleep

You know all those things will help you in preventing burnout.  But are you doing them?  You can start on any of them today.

I promised you seven ways and gave you ten.  And all are things you can do – most stating immediately. One or more will be the most important for you to do.  Decide which they are and get started.

If you are a leader of others, be vigilant for the signs of burnout in your team.  Look for ways to use this list as you coach them or share the full list with your team, and you can help each other in preventing burnout.

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