6 Steps to Design A Lifestyle That Prevents Burnout

Motivated and goal-oriented people are well-oiled machines. They deliver tasks with an efficient and streamlined motion, making sure to provide only the best work. But maintaining this pace is a whole other skill involving knowing when to pause and replenish your fuel.

And it seems, only a few have mastered this part of the process.

What's tricky is that most people don't realize they're on the way to burnout until the very last minute. Nowadays, toughing it out despite overwhelming stress means taking responsibility and strengthening your work stamina. But this is where it needs to change.

You can't expect yourself to perform endless tasks with no means to replenish the energy you're putting out. Sleeping it off and getting an eight-hour shuteye also won't be enough. You must actively restore your physical, mental, and creative tank. It's going to be a commitment. But it's one that you're going to thank yourself for.

Here are some ways you can design a burnout-proof lifestyle.

1. Free your schedule for things you love.

You can sacrifice a lot for your career, but it's also important to reserve time for yourself. Set a cut-off within the day when you're duty-bound to disconnect from work and turn your attention to your personal interests. Develop a worthwhile hobby or be a community volunteer. Whichever it is, it's good to remind yourself that life's not meant to revolve around your professional growth. Be in the constant pursuit of activities that empty your cup.

2. Read to feed your mind.

One of the best ways to find perspective is through other people's words. Find authors and online spaces where you can read unique experiences outside of your comfort zone. Use these to enrich your mind and have a deeper appreciation of the world around you. Being proactive in seeking out new knowledge allows you to realize there's more to discover and learn.

3. Measure success through incremental progress.

In business, you let the huge numbers signal the success of your career. But when it comes to yourself, you might want to try a different approach. Don't weigh your value through your failures. Learn to measure your worth through the ways you got up after each setback and disappointment. Remember that there is value in facing defeat. It allows you to grow a bit wiser and stronger than you previously were.

4. Learn the art of saying "no".

Surround yourself with people that generate positive energy. Don't hesitate to protect yourself from uncomfortable experiences and individuals that exhaust you. Be unapologetic about how you choose to spend your time. It's going to make all the difference and give you more breathing space. More importantly, it will help to minimize the number of responsibilities you put on your plate. Only make room for things worth your attention.

5. Take care of a plant.

It sounds simple enough, but there are many surprising benefits in nurturing a small, low-maintenance houseplant. Aside from being natural air-purifiers for your workspace, these pleasant green companions can also boost your mental health. They serve as a reminder that there's always time for a brief pause to practice self-care. Watering them, pruning their leaves and branches, and making sure they're getting enough sunlight can be a daily routine where one can find calmness and relaxation.

6. Savor your favorite drink.

Busy people tend to gulp their coffee down without giving it a second thought. Coffee is just a means to get by and the fastest way to wake up the mind. But choosing to lead mornings like this creates cluttered individuals with no steady gait and a focus that's just as volatile. Want to make a change? Sip your coffee. Appreciate its flavorful notes. Not everything should be done at a quickened pace.

Designing a lifestyle that prevents burnout is not a simple task. It's going to challenge you to open your eyes to new perspectives and realizations that are hard pills to swallow. Carving your life down to what's essential always seems like a messy process at the get-go. But at the end of the day, once you near the finish line, your choices would have been worth it. And what's better, you'll have more fuel to drive further onto your next adventure. — (TGM)