Avoiding Burnouts at Home and Work
Many times in our lives, we take on too much and we end up physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted. We may be capable or motivated, but we should recognise when our plate gets a little too full. At the end of the day, overloading yourself with tasks and responsibilities might hinder you from performing your best. Here’s how you can avoid burnout, at home and work, without compromising your productivity.
Recognise the Signs Early
The fast-paced lifestyle in Singapore can take a toll on us sometimes. According to an article, “The report, which was released on June 13, showed that 47 per cent of the workers in Singapore feel mentally or physically exhausted by their work.” As it is pretty common, most of us will probably overlook the symptoms even when we are experiencing them.
Common symptoms you should look out for include fatigue, irritability, loss of motivation, insomnia, and withdrawal. The symptoms seem to be normalised due to our lifestyle and long working hours, so we tend to just “sleep it off”.
However, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it is highly advised to get checked out and get a consultation from your GP. This will allow early detection, and you can get advice on how to address the issues. You should also apply for some off days from work, if possible or go on a trip that focuses on relaxation.
Set Some Boundaries
The hyperconnected era we live in now may cause us to always be “available”. Always being reachable may blur the lines of work-life balance. To avoid exceeding your working hours extensively, you can try creating a wind-down ritual. This could be something as simple as putting away your things or turning off your computer to mark the end of work for the day.
Whether you work in an office or run the household, set some time for yourself at the end of the day. Give yourself some time after a long day’s hard work or running errands. It does not have to be a complicated routine; it can be achieved with simple sensory aspects like lighting candles, putting on music, or simply sitting in the quiet for at least 10 minutes.
On top of this, you should learn to say no when you can and know that you are not able to handle any more responsibilities. Try not to feel guilty when saying no. Know your limits to being there for people and allow yourself to stay within that limit.
Adopt Micro-Restorative Habits
Burnout is not always something that happens after something major; most time, it is built over some period of time. To counterbalance the micro buildup of burnout, adopt some micro-restorative habits.
Adopt a hobby that you can enjoy over the weekend and during off-work or outside the home if you are not working in an office. These off-work activities help you stay active while recalibrating your mental state before facing another hectic week of routines. You should also spend time with family, friends, and loved ones more, as this can help you unwind and be an outlet for you to vent out any frustrations you might have.
Exercising, even when it’s simple workouts and stretches, can do a lot for your mental health. You could also try natural energy boosters like Naturel Organic Coconut Oil and Naturel Organic Coconut Cider that you could add to your food and drink. These products contain MCTs that will help you boost your energy so you won’t feel too tired after a day of taking care of responsibilities. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of saturated fat that is digested and absorbed more easily. They are metabolised into ketones, hence, they provide an energy boost while supporting brain health.
Burnout is not a sign of weakness. It is your body’s way of saying you need rest and pause. Your main priority should be your health, as it affects the quality of your life, work, and the balance of it all. Furthermore, you cannot give your best if you are not in your best. So, make sure to stop and smell the roses from time to time.