I find that as the sun is coming back to shower us with some love, there is this pressure to complete all the projects before year-end. Also if your company does KPI reviews you might be saying yes to more than you can handle in order to get a bigger bonus. Compound that with those lovely hashtags #burningthemidnightoil, #whilstyoursleeping and we find ourselves either burned out or on the brink of it.

What is it?

Burnout is when one works themselves to the bone that it results in this state of chronic stress resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion. Often one feels ineffective and detached, thus preventing you from functioning effectively on a professional and personal level. (Standing ovation for me I used the word thus)

What are the tell-tale signs?

Remember you might experience one or all of the symptoms or they might even overlap

• Constant fatigue
• Insomnia cause you are thinking what still needs to be done
• Impaired concentration coupled with some forgetfulness
• Headaches/ migraines
• Feeling anxious
• Constantly feeling ill
  

So now that we know what it is, how to check if we are suffering from it, then the next step is how do we deal with it?

Figure out the cause

Is it caused by procrastination? Is it project based or is your workload too much?You cannot really sort out the problem if you do not know what the cause is.

Get organized/ track your progress

Now you know what is causing the burn out, next step is how you are going to manage the hours you have. Prioritize the important tasks and track your progress this will alleviate the feelings of angst.

Learn to switch off

The word balance is overused and not too many know what it means, also it applies differently to everyone. Unless you want to be surrounded by all your completed deadlines at your deathbed, learn to fit in all the other parts of your life. Switching off means that when you are in that moment you need to be present ,fully there, you might find that when you get back to work the rest has given you fresh ideas or perspective and more energy. Switching off also means get enough sleep.

Say no

Honestly if you are not dealing or handling the workload then say no to more. It might make you come off as lazy but just do it anyway say no and then do your absolute best with what you have. Hard work does pay off.

I do hope that these tips will help with the end of year blues, let me know in the comment section how you deal with feelings of burnout? do not forget to subscribe ( it’s totally free) and you can be the first to know when I post.