In this day and age, we often have to work ourselves to the bone to reach our income goals. 

Sometimes, our physical and mental health suffers as a result, and, before we know it, we are suffering from a case of major burnout.

Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation without completely quitting everything and spending a week in the Bahamas — although that probably wouldn’t hurt, at least once in a while!

THE 5 STAGES OF BURNOUT

Burnout can sneak up on you.

1. THE HONEYMOON PHASE

Perhaps this is the most “fun” stage: You have a ton of creative energy and motivation.

The only caveat? You may say yes too often and overwhelm yourself or skip a night of sleep because you’re so excited about a new endeavor.

2. STRESS

You are overwhelmed — physically and mentally — because you have taken on too much.

3. CHRONIC STRESS

This is where it gets extremely problematic: You may start withdrawing from friends and family, being angry or aggressive, not having much of a life outside of work, and even turning to alcohol — or another addictive substance — as a way to escape from your stressful schedule.

4. BURNOUT

This is where it gets rough:

• Development of an escapist mentality

• Feeling empty inside

• Obsession over problems at work or in life

• A pessimistic outlook on work and life

• Physical symptoms intensify and/or increase

• Self-doubt

• Social isolation

If you have reached this stage, it’s essential to take a break from work.

You will need one to recover.

1. SLEEP FOR SEVEN HOURS PER NIGHT

The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours for most. If you’re well-rested, it will likely be easier to recover from burnout and prevent it from occurring in the first place.

We know that managing a business can be tough sometimes, but enjoying a deep slumber is essential.

That being said, you could always switch up the hours, although one often experiences the highest quality sleep from 8 p.m.-midnight.

However, getting sufficient rest for you could mean snoring contentedly from 1-8 in the morning.

It’s best to squeeze in some shut-eye whenever you can!

This will make a world of difference in your daily life.

2. MEDITATE

Five minutes a day can be enormously impactful, meaning that you’ll likely have a much clearer mind and be about ten times more productive at work.

This practice has been shown to increase concentration levels, decrease anxiety, and lead to an overall sense of contentedness in daily life.

Who doesn’t want that?!

3. TAKE A BATH

Sometimes, you need some time that is only for you, and a bath can be just that: You can go crazy — candles, bubbles, rose petals, the whole works!

Adding some essential oil and Epsom salt to the tub can elevate the experience.

4. TAKE A DAY OFF

We all know that it takes a lot of effort to keep a business going, and, sometimes, you literally cannot afford to take a day off, but here’s the thing: You won’t be able to get one task done if you lose control of your mental health or fall extremely ill physically.

If you are at your breaking point, the best thing you can do for yourself — and everyone else! — is spending some time recovering: You’ll likely be far more productive, not to mention healthier, in the long run, if you allow yourself to rest.

5. EXERCISE

It can be tough to find time to exercise when you are devoting every hour of every day to your project, but you don’t necessarily have to do anything major: You could go to the gym five days a week if you’re super hardcore and really want a six-pack, but you could also just park a little further from the office and take a few extra fast-paced walks around the block, or meander down your favorite route with your furry friend every morning.

The latter option can boost your mood and help you keep unhealthy weight off. Sometimes, that’s what matters.

6. DANCE

Sometimes, it’s not solely a matter of exhaustion: People say that work/life balance is basically a myth here in America, and they are not exactly mistaken.

Sadly, the amount of effort it takes to simply get by in this country — not to mention thrive! — is exorbitant.

Perhaps you are burnt out because you have not included enough fun in your life.

Maybe it’s time to see your favorite live show and dance the night away!

You deserve to have some fun every once in a while.

7. LEARN HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES AT WORK

The hustle is commendable.

It helps people achieve great things, but it also has a downside: Some of us have a hard time saying no when we are presented with any opportunity and find ourselves juggling ten different commitments at once.

You’re allowed to say no.

If you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, it’s okay to start setting more boundaries so that you can take care of yourself. This may strike you as selfish, but it’s certainly not: If you are happier and less exhausted, you will almost always be more productive and easier to be around!

Saying no is a gesture of respect for yourself: You deserve to decline a task because every human has their limits, and that's okay — Your well-being is immensely important! 

8. DO NOTHING FOR A DAY

If you are totally burnt out, it’s best to take the day off, but so many workaholics struggle to actually just be: Sometimes, doing nothing is the hardest task in the world, but it’s also one of the most important ones for our health.

Maybe you want to sleep all day, or simply walk around your neighborhood, sip on your favorite tea, and sleep again.

You’re allowed to do just that: We are called human beings for a reason.

9. TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY

You work hard for your money, and you deserve to take care of yourself once in a while, or even weekly.

Sometimes, an hour-long massage is all you need to come out of that little room feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world!

If you really want to enjoy the experience, there are plenty of spas that offer soaks as well.

Emerging yourself in some hot water as you gaze at the beautiful setting is well worth the investment, and it’s deeply relaxing.

Perhaps you want to opt for one that doesn’t have wifi so that you literally can’t tend to your work commitments for a day or two: You deserve a break.

We hope that you find these strategies effective: This condition is real, and it’s important to take some time for yourself if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends — A rested and rejuvenated version of yourself will likely be far more productive than an overworked and exhausted one!

ABOUT PLATINUM GROUP

Ensure you provide your employees with a quality work-life balance. Investing in employee experience will help your company attract and retain top talents.

Are you looking to personalize your employee experience? Watch these videos to learn more.

Platinum Group is a human capital management resource with solutions to help you streamline operations so you’ll have time to manage your business. No matter which division you work with: Payroll/HR or Accounting, our team is built upon a foundation of support, service, camaraderie and collaboration that we share both in-house and with our wonderful clients. For more information about Platinum Group, or to schedule a demo of isolved, please visit our website.