10 WAYS TO SAVE YOURSELF IF YOU’RE SUFFERING FROM BURNOUT
1 Admit when you’re tired. Accept that if you keep trying to work when you’re exhausted that you’ll not only make yourself feel worse but are also more likely to let yourself – and the people around you – down. You can’t do your best work when you’re suffering from burnout.
2 Learn to manage your time efficiently. Plan your day. Keep a diary so important engagements and commitments don't suddenly creep up on you.
3 Beware of using caffeine, tobacco or alcohol as a coping tool. You may think they help you get through the day but all of them can damage your health and make you more susceptible to stress and pressure.
4 If you feel ill, take time off. Don’t think that you’re indispensable and must carry on. Graveyards are full of people who thought they were indispensable. Life goes on without them. If you feel ill your body is telling you that it needs to rest. Remember that regular holidays are important – and make sure that the holiday you choose is relaxing!
5 If you feel life is full of battles and arguments, make sure to take time out to relax and enjoy yourself.
6 Physical exercise is a great way to get rid of frustration, anger and disappointment. But if you haven’t done any physical exercise for a long time get yourself back into the swing gently.
7 Make sure you get enough sleep. If you have difficulty relaxing at night, try having a hot bath before bed. Don’t do any work for at least an hour before you go to bed. Watch a relaxing video or read an amusing or entertaining book. Poor sleep is a symptom of burnout – and it makes things steadily worse.
8 Learn to say no. Don’t let yourself be tricked into taking on too many responsibilities by people who know how to make you feel guilty.
9 Try to forget when things go wrong. Remember that you can’t get anywhere in life without taking risks or without making mistakes. Try not to brood but try to learn from your mistakes. Otherwise the bad days will smoulder and add to your burnout.
10 Stand up for yourself when its important but be prepared to walk away from arguments when it isn’t important. People who never stick up for themselves often burn up with indignation. But people who are always complaining burn themselves out with anger. Think carefully before allowing yourself to get heated up. If it’s important then do what you think is right. If it isn’t important then try to shrug your shoulders and walk away.