Busyness is an epidemic within our society. When we’re not working hard, we’re playing hard to make up for all of the time we’re spending at work. When we’re not at work, we feel guilty for not being at work, and there begins the exhausting cycle–which can only lead to a place of utter burnout.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You can catch the early stages of workplace burnout before they catch you. Here’s how to reduce fatigue in the workplace, along with some additional ways of recognizing when work is taking its toll on you.
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
Insomnia is a key sign that stress is taking over your life. When you don’t sleep, your brain doesn’t function how it should. Not getting enough sleep is linked to other serious consequences such as poor cognitive function, which can be extremely dangerous in any work situation, particularly in workplaces involving machine operation which can have extremely disastrous effects on you and those work around you.
In addition to this, it is said that serious sleep deprivation is knowingly linked to chronic conditions such as hypertension, depression, and diabetes. An average adult needs around 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly and stay healthy in their day to day lives. Being optimally rested means that you can avoid burnout.
- Spend time with other people
Humans need other humans in order to become good versions of themselves. Spending time with others outside of your work obligations will give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries and get some much-needed social fulfilment.
If you only socialize when you’re at work, your job quickly becomes your entire life, which puts you right on the fast train to Burnoutsville.
Schedule regular social activities with friends, or consciously make the effort to dedicate time to a hobby to spend more time with likeminded people. Yes, you’ll still be busy, but doing the things you enjoy with others is a wonderful way to rejuvenate after you’ve worked so hard.
- Don’t be afraid to say ‘NO!’
When you’re faced with too many choices in life, it can sometimes be incredibly difficult to make a decision. If you’re trying to get in your boss’ good books at work, too, saying ‘yes’ to everything might improve your rankings at work, but can soon take a negative toll on you.
Learn to say ‘No’ to things, sometimes.
If something looks like it could be a lot of fun and can create a positive impact on your personal and professional lives, then your answer should be ‘hell, YES!’ If you don’t get that same level of excitement, then your answer should be a ‘guilt-free, no’.
Saying ‘no’ to things doesn’t mean you lose respect from those around you- in fact it could possibly have the opposite effect.
Workplace burnout is harmful. It can cause an awful lot of issues in your work and personal life.
Don’t allow yourself to get to that point. Pay attention to your emotions and check in on yourself regularly- burnout can creep up on you when you least expect or need it. Be kind to yourself, and don’t overload.
