Modern society dictates a fast pace of life, a constant juggle of physical demands and emotional needs. Sadly, people feel like they have no choice but to work long hours, multitask in their free time, and use work as an escape from problems in their personal lives. These behaviours are unsustainable and will increase stress levels, often resulting in burnout. Here's how you can avoid and combat burnout at home.
Take time for yourself
The first thing you need to do is take time for yourself. It sounds simple and intuitive, but often we ignore this fundamental need. Many people feel guilty about having time away from work and family, but a healthy life balance means taking care of yourself, too.
Be present with your family
Set aside some time to be present with your family. The chores can wait, the emails can be answered later on. Take yourself away from distractions and focus on quality time with the people you love.
Give yourself permission to say no
Giving yourself permission to say no from time to time is essential for emotional wellness. Schedule downtime into your calendar, and don’t feel guilty about saying no to both work and social demands.
Ask for help
If you feel yourself starting to get overwhelmed by demands on your time, ask for help. It can be as simple as asking someone to do the school run for you once a week, hiring some help around the house, or splitting a workload with a colleague. Recognising the early signs of overwhelm will help you avoid the subsequent burnout.
Stop multi-tasking
Multi-tasking has been proven time and again to be ineffective, but it’s a habit most of us can’t kick. This, along with being tired, can lead to burnout. Instead of answering emails while eating your lunch, take time to focus on what you are doing. Likewise, don't try to catch up with friends while working on a project; you'll quickly feel overwhelmed, stressed and unable to concentrate.