A healthy work-life balance can get easily lost in all the hustle and bustle of the 24/7 Zoom work culture.
The World Health Organization declared burnout an occupation syndrome in 2019 characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced productivity with seven in ten workers experiencing burnout. This has only gotten worse due to the pandemic and online work culture. Being able to take a break to rest and refresh is harder and harder to achieve. The good news is that it is preventable. Read on to learn how.
Spot Signs of Burnout
In order to prevent burnout, it is important to spot the warning signs so you can make the needed adjustments. Burnout usually occurs when you repeatedly take on too much work, which is all too easy to do in a high-pressure organizational culture of non-stop drive. Some early indicators include feeling a loss of control or consistent, increased pressure. If your values do not align with your company, or you are unsupported by your team you are on the fast track to burnout. But burnout is not just mental: it takes a toll on the whole body. Some common physical and emotional signs include feeling tired, irritable, inadequate, or easily distracted. Perhaps you are suffering from headaches, muscle aches or a noticeable change in appetite.
Rethink Assumptions
When employees are burnt out, they may make assumptions behind requests or assign motives to people that do not really exist. If you are feeling overwhelmed it’s important to take a step back and remember that your team is trying to work in everyone’s best interest and focus on the facts.
Balanced Workload
Having a balanced workload is the best thing you can do to prevent burnout and find more opportunities to rest and take a break. When your capacity is balanced and organized it is easier to develop a steady, healthy rhythm of work, rest and growth. Plan out your work schedule in advance if you can; delegate tasks when necessary and do not be afraid to say no.
Change Your Perspective
Although you can recognize signs of burnout, it is not always possible to make workload changes. Conflicts are may linger unresolved. During situations like these, take the opportunity to change your perspective and redefine your expectations. Try to understand what you want from your work life and what attainable changes you can make to increase your free time. As you learn to spot and prevent burnout, it will become easier and easier to set up solid boundaries. Just as in so many other areas of life, practice makes perfect. Balance is the key to attaining a workload with enough time to pause. Reach out for assistance today.
