How I Avoid Burnout 🧠
I've almost had a burnout from my 9-5 at a start-up 🥲
and it took me 1 month to recover, because I couldn't open LinkedIn without feeling physically ill. I was close to a burnout because this work experience was quite traumatic to me, but I'll talk about it at a later date when I have more perspective and know what I'm doing next.
I'd like to preface that I wasn't diagnosed with a burnout, but definitely had mental and physical exhaustion because of work, and I know that it was work related because I showed physical symptoms of extreme stress, but I was functioning well in other areas of my personal life. So I wanted to share a couple of tips that I hope will be helpful when it comes to coping with stress and avoiding burning out.
Self-awareness is key, and knowing when you are stressed is extremely important, so I highly recommend learning to listen to your body. It can actually tell you a lot about stress and tension, and if you want to learn more I recommend reading The Body Keeps the Score book by Bessel van der Kolk.
As for the others things that help me avoid burnout:
☕️ Take a break from social media and mindless scrolling. I would shut off from the world to try to rest during the weekends, because the weekdays would drain me. Not comparing your social life to those of others via Instagram stories, or fun TikToks can be a great break for your mind. Plan some things you can do that you find restful, such as going for a walk, being in nature, spending time with family, etc.
✍🏻 Start a gratitude journal. I wasn't happy with my job and where my "career" was going, because I wasn't challenged by my role. So I kept a gratitude journal where I would write down things I was grateful for outside of work, as well as things that went well for me, and focused on the positive things in my life. This kept me sane. I recommend looking into the 5 Minute Journal by Intelligent Change if you want to start gratitude journaling.
📚 Have a hobby you enjoy. Whether it's a sport, art/music, or reading books, having a hobby can be the best distraction from your daily problems. I love reading in the evenings on topics that I'm interested in, and I looked forward to reading during my commute, lunch breaks and in the evenings every day.
💬 How do you avoid burnout? Share with me in the comments 🫶🏻
#lemon8partner #burnout #mentalhealth #productivity #college #collegestudents #embracevulnerability #student #studentlifestyle
Burnout is an all-too-common challenge in today's fast-paced work culture, especially for professionals in demanding jobs or students juggling multiple responsibilities. It can manifest as profound exhaustion, cynicism, and a feeling of reduced efficacy. To understand and combat burnout effectively, it’s vital to recognize its signs early on. Taking a step back from social media can significantly alleviate feelings of inadequacy and comparison that fuel burnout. A digital detox allows individuals to engage with their thoughts without the pressure of online personas. Studies reveal that social media can exacerbate stress levels; thus, minimizing exposure can create a healthier mental environment. Gratitude journaling serves as a powerful tool in combating burnout by shifting focus from negativity to appreciation. Regularly documenting what you’re grateful for not only uplifts mood but also promotes a positive mindset, especially during challenging work periods. This practice encourages reflection on the positives amidst stress, fostering resilience. Engaging in hobbies is equally crucial; it provides an escape from work-related pressures. Whether it’s painting, playing a sport, or joining a book club, indulging in activities one loves can rejuvenate the mind and body. Hobbies enable a creative outlet, allowing for expression and relaxation, which is essential for maintaining balance. Additionally, establishing boundaries at work is vital. This means recognizing when to say no and ensuring that personal time is respected. Prioritizing tasks and using tools like time management apps can help in maintaining productivity without overextending oneself. Lastly, seeking professional help when stress becomes overwhelming is essential. Mental health professionals can provide personalized strategies to manage stress effectively. Remember, acknowledging the need for help is a strength, not a weakness. By taking proactive steps and practicing self-care, the risk of burnout dramatically decreases.
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