Burnout is no fun! So, don’t wait until you’re burnt out to start putting yourself first. In this article, you’ll find out how to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout.
What is Burnout?
Burnout happens after prolonged and excessive stress from keeping up with everything going on in your life.
You become physically and mentally drained, which can lead to feeling hopeless, unmotivated, and overwhelmed.
Burnout can lead to a scary downward spiral full of resentment and anxiety if not taken care of!
Burnout Example
I experienced burnout in my advertising career. I was just starting and thought that I had to “pay my dues” and “put in the hours” to prove myself.
- I was in the office before and after everyone.
- I was taking on more work than what was doable during a regular workday.
- I ate breakfast, lunch, AND dinner at my desk. No questions asked.
At the time, I thought all the extra work was necessary to prove that I was committed to the job.
But then the job became who I was, and I started to resent my coworkers who did know how to balance work and personal time.
My burnout not only drained my energy but also sent me to the hospital with stress-induced stomach pains.
All of this to say – burnout is NOT fun and can prevent you from succeeding in the long run.
You do not need to compromise your well-being to be successful.
Self-care is so important because it allows us to show up as our best selves.
Here are some ways to prioritize your self-care to prevent burnout.
Six Tips to Prioritize Self-Care
Block out time in your schedule.
Prioritize self-care and book it in your calendar.
Block out time in your day where you focus on activities that improve your well-being.
For example, block out time for all your meals.
Blocking out mealtimes sounds like a no-brainer, but I know far too well how easy it is to continue working through meals (especially when you’re working from home).
Make it a point to step away from your work during these times.
Remember, this is YOUR TIME!
Create boundaries.
Work with your boss and coworkers to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life.
Reinforce these boundaries – both with your coworkers and with yourself.
Setting expectations allows people to try to plan around when you’re available.
Use your PTO.
Take vacations and get away for a bit.
Or use the time for personal appointments or self-care days.
Don’t feel guilty for taking time off to reset and feel refreshed.
Remember that employers prefer that you show up as your best self.
Start the day on the right foot.
Establish a morning routine that allows you to kick start the day on the right foot.
Wake up a little earlier to give yourself time in the morning to ease into the day.
Set the tone for the day instead of frantically diving headfirst into it.
Get good sleep.
Give yourself time to wind down for the night.
Create a solid nighttime routine that gets you ready for the best sleep.
A good night’s rest can improve your productivity, mood, immune system, and more – aka; it allows you to show up as your best self the next day!
Daily check-ins with yourself.
Start to become more attuned to how your body and mind are doing each day.
You can do this by taking five minutes in the morning just to breathe and ask yourself how you’re feeling.
Taking time to reflect will help you understand your needs for the day.
Looking for inspiration?
Check out my vlog all about how I decided to prioritize self-care!
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