PEOPLE with burnout are “very negative about their activities, find it hard to concentrate, are listless and lack creativity”. They “feel drained and exhausted, overloaded, tired and low, and do not have enough energy”. They “find their jobs increasingly negative and frustrating”
(mentalhealth.csmls.org). Burn out leads to decreased job productivity and absenteeism. If not properly addressed, it may also lead to anger, substance use and different illnesses.
Love your work, but take care of yourself, too. You will not be able to perform well if you are not physically and mentally okay, so here are tips to avoid burn out.
Give 100% to your tasks, but know when to relax. Even machines need a break. Get enough rest and sleep, so you can go back to work recharged, not feeling drained and irritable.
Delegate! A good leader trains and inspires others to become better employees – more skilled, knowledgeable, and pro-active than when they got hired.
Find ways to make your tasks fast and smooth without sacrificing quality. Do you need to upgrade a system or a set of equipment?
Have something to look forward to after a day’s work – a movie date, dinner with family, or a badminton game. Find a new hobby. “Variety is the spice of life.”
Remember, you don’t need to push yourself too hard all the time. How much is enough? There is peace and happiness for people who value simplicity and contentment.
If you feel unappreciated, here’s something for you: “… whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
If something bothers you, talk about it. Ask trustworthy people for advice. Avoid worrying too much and “don’t sweat the small stuff”.
