Tips and tricks to prevent burnout

How many times have I felt burnout in the last few months? Countless…

Here are a few personal tips and tricks to prevent burnout:

‘Have something to look forward to’

Time can either fly or drag depending on what we have planned after work or on the weekend. I find I am more excited to go to work and finish work and get out happily if I have something to look forward to. It can be a hangout with family, meet up with friends, exploring new restaurants, trying a new activity. Honestly anything to make yourself thrilled and motivated.

I recently did sip and paint with friends which I enjoyed so much. It was relaxing to sit with paint, snacks, and those whom I love around me, chatting and laughing away. Sometimes this is exactly what you need to destress and build up memories.  

‘Have some alone time. Spoil yourself’

As well as spending time with others, it’s also important to have some self-time. Especially for an introvert like me, socialising reduces my energy. So sometimes, all I want to do is sit on my bed. It’s very important to make time for yourself. Prioritise your mental and emotional and every other type of health. Go out and have fun by yourself if you must. Treat yourself to something you have always wanted.

For me, I enjoy going to the supermarket every couple of days because I love food shopping. Does it prove that I have little self-control and suck at budgeting? Probably. But am I happy? Yes. And that’s what matters.

‘Sleep well’

This is probably very easy to type but hard to implement in real life. Speaking from experience, I have a hard time properly sleeping which leads to being tired which is not good for our body and mind. Although I promise myself that I will sleep earlier each day, I fall victim to doom-scrolling. I am sure everyone is guilty of this at some point in their life. Hours and hours of our lives are spent engrossed in the world of social media.

Sleeping in without a care in the world is another way to reduce stress on yourself. Somehow, my brain will wake up earlier than my alarm and warn me my alarm will go off. However, not putting an alarm on is also stressful. What if I don’t wake up and get late to work. So, on days where there are no commitments, wake up when you want to without having to worry about an alarm.

‘Eat well’

I have a huge fear that I am going to get ulcers as well as diabetes. Firstly, brown people are at an increased risk of diabetes, and I happen to be brown. I also have no self-control when it comes to food. Being a foodie and my love for exploring new cuisines and restaurants exposes me to greasy goodness and sweet delights. Unfortunately, I am unable to stop eating.

At the same time, I am guilty of not eating breakfast which is said to be the most important meal of the day. Certain times of the year I feel a certain level of motivation encouraging me to eat in the morning. Of course, this does not last, and I revert back to my foodless mornings. I prefer to sleep in rather than wake up early to eat breakfast. Kind of ironic because I don’t sleep early because I spend hours scrolling on the phone. Honestly, I think I am just too lazy in the morning to do anything. All I need is my coffee.

‘Take leave when required’

I mentioned this previously. It is very important to take breaks and take leave from work. Spending too much time working and overly thinking about work is not healthy. I believe using our annual leave and sick leave when necessary is crucial for enhanced mental health. Our sick day leaves can be used for mental health days which I actually wasn’t aware of.

Let me know if you have any tips or tricks for preventing burnout.

Written with sincerity,

Me.