7 Ways to Beat Burn-Out
(Written by guest contributor Tim Golen)
So much to do, so little time. You’ve been working on a project for weeks, and the end still doesn’t seem to be in sight. The deadline keeps getting pushed back further and further, but you must press on. You’re beginning to feel overwhelmed and your productivity is steadily declining. You probably find yourself wasting more time than usual and you try to find excuses to leave your desk. You’re ready to just throw your hands up in the air and quit. It’s a typical case of burn-out. I think we’ve all been there. I know I have. In fact, I’m going through it right now. You don’t have to give up though– I want to share with you some of my tips for beating burn-out.
1. Find a productive distraction. The key here is that while it will distract you for a little bit from your current project, you’re still being productive. If you know of another project that you could help out on for an hour, go and give them some help. If there are things around the office that need to be done and are begging for someone to do them, then lend a hand. We’ve got a flat screen TV in our conference room that is mounted on the wall and there was this ugly mass of cables hanging down to the floor where they were just waiting to strangle a small child. Yesterday I took a good half an hour to pick them up, organize them, and make everything presentable.
2. Tell your supervisor. They are there for a reason, they want to help you out just as much as you help them. Let them know that you’re feeling frustrated and worn out. Maybe they have something that can get your mind off of things for a little while. They might just suggest that they need a new article written for their newsletter!
3. Make sure that you get some relaxation time away from work. I know your work still has to get done, but when you go home, try to have a time to yourself where you just relax. Your spouse (or significant other) can help out with this as well. Just ask them to help you find some relaxation time, but be sure to pay back the favor when they need some relaxation time.
4. Use stress relieving devices. My desk is littered with little things that I can fiddle with just to get my brain on something else for a few moments. Right before I wrote this paragraph I played with this green plastic slinky for a few seconds. It will give your brain a quick break and help you gather your thoughts.
5. Talk to other co-workers. Take a few minutes to go talk to one of your co-workers. Ask them how their week is going. Don’t get too distracted though. Steer clear of the co-workers that will wrap you up in conversation for long periods of time.
6. Take a walk around the building. I promise, it won’t hurt you. You’ll get some fresh air and a little bit of exercise to boot.
7. Vary the food that you eat. I know it might sound weird, but it’s all the routine that’s getting you burnt out. Food is a great way to add some variety into your life without causing any additional stress.
There you have it! My seven tips to help you beat burn-out. I really want to hear what some of your tips are. Please leave a comment and let me know what you do to beat burn-out.
