How to prevent burnout in the first place

Want to prevent burnout? You are not alone. Check out these tips for keeping your life burnout free.

Tip 1: Remember you are not your job.

In life, you have had many experiences and played different roles, one job cannot sum the totality of who you are.  You are not the sum of your roles. You are so much more than that.

Tip 2: Laughter really is the best medicine.

Humor adds meaning to life. Make time for yourself every day to do things that make you happy. This can be something as simple as reading a book, taking a walk outside, or taking a yoga class. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to take care of others.

Tip 3: Honor your boundaries

It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to do everything for everybody. When you set boundaries, you are able to give more of yourself to the things that matter most to you.

Tip #4: You are not alone.

There is always somebody who feels like you do. You are never as alone as you feel. Talk to somebody about how you’re feeling. Reach out for professional psychiatric services when you need it.

Tip #5: Trust your gut

It's important to listen to your intuition, that inner knowing in all aspects of life, including work. This inner wisdom can come in different forms. Maybe it's a physical sensation, like a knot in your stomach. Maybe it's a thought that won't leave your head. Maybe it's a dream. Pay attention to what you're feeling and trust that inner guidance.

Tip #6: Bask in self-love and self-care

You are worthy of love, no matter what anyone has ever told you, no matter what you might think. Look yourself in the mirror and tell say, “I love you.” Take the time to fill up your cup so that you can take on the world with all that you are. Get adequate sleep and exercise, nourish your body with healthy food, experience joy daily and get the mental stimulation you need to flourish. 

Tip #7: Step into your power

When you make yourself a priority, you understand that you have power in every situation. No one can control how you feel. You can choose to react to situations.

Remember you are an integral part of your household, workplace AND community. It wouldn’t be the same without you. You can decide to pause, reflect, and then act, rather than simply react to what is happening around you.

Consider using one, some or all these tips. Remember to only do what tip speaks to you.

Finally, reach out and let me know what worked, what didn’t work and if there are any other tips that other people may find helpful.