The WHO defines burnout as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Let’ face it – burnout in the workplace isn’t uncommon. People stay at work late, bring work home, or work on weekends. Stress is an inevitable part of our life, but we can learn to manage it and keep it under control. Here are some tips for dealing with workplace burnout.
#1 Take vacation
Taking days off regularly for vacation even if you’re busy. In fact, many people save up their vacation time and take 1-2 long vacations per year. But this doesn’t help. By taking days off regularly, you’ll always have something fun to look forward to. When you do take a break, you understand how to balance your work and life and decrease the effects of stress and any signs of burnout. Don’t forget to put on an out-of-office message and not respond to emails when you are away.
#2 Work out
Had a rough day in the office? Exercising helps combat stress by lowering levels of adrenaline and cortisol, and stimulates the production of endorphins, the “happy hormone”. Whenever you have one of those days when you feel a big weight on your shoulders, go for a run or swim, head to the gym for a quick work out or join a yoga session. Choose what you like to do to keep all the stress away and recharge your brain. It’s so true – “You are only one workout away from a good mood”.
#3 Have a social life
During stressful times, being around best friends decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Get together with friends and do something that you believe would be fun like go camping, planning a movie night or catching up on your favourite TV series together… Spend time with friends who make you laugh, and your body will thank you.
#4 Unplug & Relax
Take 15 minutes or more every day out of your busy schedule to simply disconnect from the world. Whether you take up meditation, listening to soothing music, taking a walk, think about what you’d do to relax and make time for it. This will help drive down the stresses of the day and ease your mind. Remember to turn off your phone or put it in another room.
