How to Avoid Getting Burnt Out
Understanding the Severity of Being Burnt Out
Few things in life are as exciting as starting your own freelancing business, gaining traction with repeat clients, and receiving rave reviews about your services. However, the flip side of these big events is that they often lead to exhaustion and stress. With all the new responsibilities and increased workloads that come with these milestones, it can be tempting to just push through and soldier on. But doing so could result in burnout — which can have serious consequences for your health and career success. In this article, we’ll discuss what burnout is all about, why so many people get burnt out at work, and how to avoid getting burnt out altogether.
What Exactly is Burnout?
Burnout is a form of chronic stress that results from prolonged exposure to emotional, physical, and mental demands on the job. It can lead to psychological exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and ineffectiveness, low self-esteem and poor performance.
What causes burnout?
Burnout is often caused by a mismatch between your personal needs and the demands of your job. For example, you may need more autonomy in your work or want to be able to make decisions without consulting others.
Or perhaps you need more social interaction with co-workers. If these needs are not met, burnout can result — leaving you feeling exhausted and unable to perform well at work.
Are you Passionate about your Pursuits?
Many freelancers begin their careers as a side project to the jobs they already have. A side-hustle is something that takes up some of your time and energy but is not your main job—it’s the thing you do on the side when you’re not working.
The best kind of side-hustles are things that don’t feel like work at all, because they align with what really interests you, and also give you room to grow.
One of the benefits of freelancing is that you’re in charge of deciding how much time and energy to put into your business. If you’re passionate about what you do, it won’t feel like work—you’ll enjoy the process of growing your freelance practice. However, if you’re doing something that doesn’t align with your values or interests, it’s likely that burnout will creep in and cause problems down the road.
Work with People who Inspire You
Working with people you like will make your job more enjoyable, and it’s important to be around people who motivate you and encourage you to grow.
The strain of an unsupportive work environment can cause burnout in even the most dedicated employees. To prevent this from happening to yourself or others, work on building relationships at work that are mutually beneficial and supportive.
You’ll be more likely to stay motivated, and your co-workers will feel the same. Surround yourself with people who are driven, passionate and purposeful.
When you see others doing great things, it can help you get out of your own head and realize that there is always something new to learn.
Outside of Work, Get Social
Connecting with other creatives can be extremely beneficial. You never know when someone will share a helpful tip or a link to a useful resource. The more you network, the more likely you are to find like-minded individuals with whom you can develop professional and personal connections.
You’ll also find that a large portion of creative professionals is very generous. They love to share their knowledge and insights with others, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help or advice. How to avoid getting burnt out is something most people can surely relate to, so the more you seek connection, the more you’ll find a supportive community that understands what you are going through.
Take a Break
How to avoid getting burnt out is contingent on knowing your body and paying attention to your stress levels. When you’re on the brink of getting burnt out, it’s important to take a break. You don’t have to go on a month-long vacation or quit your job for the day; just take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy.
A few examples of how to take a break productively include the following:
- Meditate. Meditation can help you to stay calm and centred in the face of stress. It’s also a great way to learn about yourself and gain insight into what makes you happy.
- Exercise. Physical activity helps reduce stress levels, improves your overall health, and can even improve your mood.
- Creativity. Get creative by drawing, writing poetry, or doing something else that allows you to let your mind wander freely.
- Read or listen. Reading a book or listening to music can be a great way to relax. If you read, try reading one of your favourite books or novels. If you listen to music, choose songs that inspire or uplift you.
Ask for Help
If you’re finding that your workload is getting too much to handle on your own, then it might be time to ask for some extra help. Luckily, there are lots of ways to find someone who can help.
The first step is understanding what kind of work needs to be done and how much time it will take. Will you need someone who can do basic research, or do you need a professional with specific skills? Once this question has been answered, start searching for people who are available, reliable and trustworthy.
You might be surprised at how many people are willing to pitch in when they hear about your situation. If you’re looking for someone in your network, try asking friends and family members first. They may know someone who can help or even know of a company that provides the outsourcing you need for your business.
Prioritize Self-Care
Putting yourself first is not selfish. If you’re going to be able to take care of your business and yourself, it’s important that you prioritize self-care. This means making sure that you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise and surround yourself with people who inspire you.
It also means taking time off when you need it, which can be hard when you have so much on your plate. But if you don’t make time for yourself, everything else will suffer in the long term.
So, keep your self-care routine in mind, no matter how busy you get. The more time and energy you put into taking care of yourself, the better equipped you’ll be when it comes to running your business.
Still Wondering How to Avoid Getting Burnt Out?
If you’re still wondering how to avoid getting burnt out, give yourself permission to let go of things that aren’t important right now so that you can focus on what really matters. Your mental health is the catalyst of all your other goals, so take care of yourself first.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to say no—and that doing so doesn’t make you a bad person. We all have limits and learning how to set them is an important part of running a business.
Before you go
This article was all about how to avoid getting burnt out. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out Working Where You Relax. Still, looking for the best ways to manage work stress? These articles are sure to lead you in the right direction: Implementing a Four-day Workweek and 6 Signs Of A Healthy Workplace.
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer