Are You Headed For The DANGER ZONE? 5 Ways to Combat Burnout

If you've seen the movie 'TOP GUN', you've heard the term Danger Zone. Tom Cruise is a cocky, daring pilot. The danger zone is exciting to get close to, just skirting disaster. But in real life, being in the danger zone is not where we aim to be. Are you headed for a burnout? Are you nearing the danger zone?

What Is A Burnout?

A burnout is a state of chronic stress. It doesn’t just creep up on you in one day or week. You don’t just wake up to a burnout. You are no longer able to function productively, effectively. A burnout can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment. Our bodies give us red flags, or warnings, to aid us in preventing a full blown burn out.

Warning Signs:

Exhaustion
Frustration
Cognitive Problems
Decreased Job Performance
Self-Medicating (smoking, drinking, food binging, sleeping pills)

A Burnout can have many effects such as exhaustion, anxiety, depression, risk of alcohol abuse, risk of substance abuse, risk of stroke, and obesity.

5 Ways to combat Burnout:

1. Maintain a Work-Life Balance

Easier said than done, but maintaining a work-life balance is important. All work and no play is a recipe for a burnout. It is essential to have 'me' time to offset 'work' time.

2. Take a Break

Yeah, it's a no brainer, but it's too many of us don't do it. Take a step back. Take a day off. Plan a vacation. Plan a staycation.

3. Recharge Your Batteries

Relax. Read a book. Nap in a hammock. Take a run. Find something that relaxes you and lets you recharge.

4. Find a Hobby

If you have one, set aside time for it. If you don't have one, find one. Preferably something that is something totally different than what you do for a living or profession. Fishing, Painting, Sports, Photography, Writing. Find something that is a creative outlet for your mind.

5. Learn to Say No or Delegate

We don't have to DO IT ALL ! Learn when your plate is full. Learn to accept help or to delegate. Learn to say NO ! Communicating that you can't help out someone or that you can't take on a task or project is important. It doesn't require being mean or rude.

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