Question: How to fix burnout?

Most common answer: Take a break or do self-care.

Result: The burnout is still there.

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

The most common answers on the internet to fix burnout either include taking some sort of break or indulging in a self-care ritual. And while there is nothing wrong with that, these practices don’t really fix burnout. Why?

Because burnout is not something that can be fixed by implementing a habit, like taking a break, once in a while. Rather, it is something that demands constant attention.

But before diving into the techniques of fixing burnout, let’s take a minute to first understand the true meaning behind it and the reason why just taking a break isn’t enough.

Burnout: The Essence Behind The Word

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes burnout as feeling exhausted and depleted of energy. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that burnout can manifest itself as reduced performance and alienation from work-related activities. In simple words, not having the energy to do things (even those you love) is what burnout is.

Take the Quiz: What’s Your Perfect Skincare Product for the 'Clean Girl' Look?

Take this quiz to discover the perfect skincare product for your “clean girl” routine!

Breaks For Burnout: Not A Solution

The main idea that "a break for burnout" promotes is that burnout can be fixed by putting a stop to the exhaustion you are feeling and replacing it with other emotions instead. But that is not how it works.

Think of burnout as a system. Now, you can’t fix a system from the outside; you have to stay in the system and fix it from within. The same is the case with burnout. Feeling the exhaustion and finding a way to deal with it is the key to controlling burnout and ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your everyday life.

Image Credit: Emily Underworld on Unsplash

Fixing Burnout: The Right Way

A Healthy Work-Life Balance

One of the best things you can do to curb burnout is develop a healthy work-life balance. Try to remember that being productive is not about doing everything; rather, it is about doing the things that matter.

Filling your schedule until you don't even have time to breathe is not the goal, and neither will it provide the results that you can get by focusing on a few things that will make a difference. One of the best ways to do this is to sort your to-do list into 3 categories.

1. Must-Dos: Things you must do; otherwise, the consequences are serious.

2. Should-Dos: Things you should do, but if they are not done, it won't be that big of a problem.

3. Want To-Dos: Things you want to do, but if not done, it is completely fine, and they can be completed another day.

The key is to put only 3 tasks/goals in each category so the list remains manageable.

Image Credit: Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Pour Into Your Cup First

You can't pour from an empty cup. Which is why you need to fulfil your emotional needs first before you start pouring your creativity somewhere else. Realising that mental peace is the key to achieving a flow state and working towards your own calm is one of the ways to ensure burnout doesn't creep up on you.

You can pour into yourself in many ways, but the most popular one is by romanticising life. Whether it is wearing the dress I have been saving for a special occasion or taking a short walk in the evening, here are a few ways by which I romanticise my life, and you can too!

• Buying a sweet treat during or at the end of doing something hard.

• Being mindful and appreciating nature when walking somewhere instead of thinking and worrying about things.

• Soaking in the sunlight and feeling its warmth on the skin (especially during the winter).

• Using the teacups reserved for the guests. Even if it is just drinking water.

Honestly speaking, there are so many ways by which you can pour into yourself that don't require a lot of effort and still bring calm and joy into your life.

Image Credit: Ava Sol on Unsplash

Letting Go Of Things

Sometimes, the biggest cause of burnout is mental clutter. You know when you have too many tabs open in Chrome, and the browser starts to slow down? That is exactly what happens when you have too many thoughts going around in your mind.

They demand more mental space than you can give. Letting go of certain thoughts may be the solution for this.

Easier said than done, right? It's okay. Nobody is asking you to stop thinking about all the things going on in your head.That's impossible.

All you need to do is put up your emotional guard. Don't entertain every thought that crosses your mind. Understand that sometimes, thoughts occur just for the sake of occurring. They don't need to be focused on. Treat them as a side character in your mind rather than giving them the importance of the main lead.

To Sum It Up

Many people think that burnout only affects those who have been depressed or anxious, but the truth couldn’t be further from that. The vices of burnout can sneak up on anyone, even those who look and feel like they have got it all together. Therefore, putting certain practices in action and prioritising emotional and mental well-being is crucial to maintaining a healthy mind.