Picture source: The Mail & Guardian
Do you feel like year-end burnout is affecting you and those around you? This time of year is often thought of as magical and heartwarming, but it can also be filled with stress and anxiety. The end of the year is not only a time for performance appraisals, but also a time of tight work deadlines and busy schedules. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is an occupational phenomenon that "results from poorly managed chronic stress in the workplace." Year-end burnout is fatigue that typically appears in the workplace during November and December. It's essentially the accumulation of stress over time. The good news is you don't have to give in to it.
Here are his five healthy ways to deal with year-end burnout.
1. Take a break
The reality is, a vacation could save your life. Leisure time is an essential element for well-being, sustainable productivity, and high performance. Other reasons to start planning your next vacation include that taking a break increases your mindfulness and reduces stress. Your learning ability will also increase. That's why the best ideas come to you while you're walking, in the shower, or on vacation.
2. Prioritize projects
If your burnout is caused by overwork, prioritize your projects. Conduct an audit of your current workload and categorize items by urgency and importance. If necessary, schedule a meeting with your manager to determine which tasks require immediate attention and which can be completed later. If possible, break large projects into smaller parts. This seems to make them easier to handle and less intimidating. Another way to manage your complete schedule is to delegate it to someone inside or outside your company. It's always better to ask for help than risk missing important deadlines or getting stuck and unable to work.
3. Put coping mechanisms in place
Lack of self-care is a major cause of year-end burnout. Start by planning small relaxing breaks throughout the day. This may include yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, etc. to bring the body into a calm state. It's also important to prioritize sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet. Finally, if you're having a stressful day, take time to get outside. Spending time outdoors, even for just a few minutes, has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress-related hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
4. Reach out for help
If you feel like you can't handle year-end burnout on your own, it's time to seek out some extra help. You can find support from family, friends, colleagues, and employers. Ask your manager or human resources department to find out what mental health benefits there are. Another option is to seek the help of a coach or mentor. If you're an entrepreneur, you may be wearing too many hats. At this point, it may be time to delegate additional responsibilities to relieve the pressure.
5. Set healthy boundaries
Flexibility is great, but remote workers in particular find it difficult to switch off after work. If you're in the midst of year-end burnout, it's time to set some healthy boundaries. An example is not checking your work email for a certain amount of time in the evening so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones. Another option is to let your boss know that you need advance notice of any business trips so they can plan a personal vacation. Once you set boundaries, you need to communicate them clearly and confidently to your team.
Source: Forbes
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