28 Ways to Avoid Burnout – and Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out

For me, the two most important things in life are indulging in that which brings me joy and that which helps me evolve as a human. That includes knowing how to avoid burnout.

I love to try new things, take on different hobbies and interests, learn and challenge myself. Yes, this means I am always doing something, and yes this means that my friends think I am – well, let’s just say – unique. However, I am constantly evolving in all different aspects of my human makeup – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Therefore, I am completely content with being busy and being “unique”.

However, just like everyone else, too much of a good (or bad) thing can also burn me out. So I have to look for the signs that I am struggling with my life so I can reset and avoid burnout.

Here are some ways that I know I am feeling burnt out:

• Lost interest in things

• Lack of joy in things that normally bring me joy

• Losing patience with those I love

• Get easily irritated or moody

• Feeling “blah”

• Feeling more anxious than normal

• Over worrying about anything I normally can shake off

• Find life to be boring or monotonous

• Not getting good rest at night

• Stress dreams

• Not feeling rested even if I am sleeping well

• Little interest in spending time with others

• All conversations seem boring

• Emotionally distant

• Overly reactive or emotional

• Wanting to isolate

• Wanting to rebel against things that serve me

• Finding myself “zoning out” or “daydreaming”

Burnout is real, but it is also avoidable or quickly repaired. It is about noticing both the external signs and also listening to the inner child inside saying, “let me out, I need a break”. When this happens I ask myself, “What do I need to recharge?” Usually, I already know the answer, I just do not always want to do it. Can you relate?

Here are some examples of what I mean:

I know that I need to get more rest, however I do not want to break up my routine as I am making a lot of progress or feeling “too lazy” to make the changes.

Or, I know I need to go on a vacation or take a day off, but I don’t have time.

Or, I just don’t care about anything anymore and it all feels too hard.

Or, I feel really emotional and get “stuck” in the spiral of the emotions and don’t see a way out.

For me, burnout happens usually because I am doing too much without getting proper rest. Or it is because I do thrive on routine and structure but need to throw it all off sometimes with some spontaneity – so I don’t become robotic, going through the motions of life. I may need to ask a friend to help me throw off my routine, or force myself to close my office door.  Either way, I need a reset and a recharge, just like an electric car so I can keep running strong. The better (and ideal) scenario though is to avoid burnout, right?

Here are some things I do to recharge:

• Take a day off!

• Take a weekend off!

• Take a week off!

• Change up my routine – in any way at all. The more the change, the merrier!

• Eat my meals in a different order (yes I eat breakfast for lunch)

• Make myself a meal with different spices/ different recipes

• Get out of my house – ASAP!

• Go on a new hike

• Go on a road trip

• Dance around my house to silly music

• Connect with a friend I have not spoken to in a while

• Try on all my clothes and pick out new combinations

• Take a long bath

• Scream into my pillow

• Go on a bike ride

• Meditation

• Hot tub or spa day

• Lay on couch with a facemask on

• Get a massage

• Listen to inspiring podcast

• Watch an emotional movie I normally avoid

• Take a workshop or attend a local event

• Go to a comedy show

• Take a workout class I would not normally consider

• Readjust things in my life – maybe I’m doing too much

• Go on a serious, spontaneous adventure of some kind

• Arts and craft projects

• Do something I use to do as a child that brought me amusement or joy

When I use my above list, it really helps to get out or completely avoid burnout. Yes, I sometimes need to do many things on this list, or repeat them for days. However, sometimes I just need a small reset to feel better. For me, life is so full of fun things to do, I usually just need a small reset on a more consistent basis so I don’t overextend myself – leading to burnout.

Making yourself a priority does not mean you will abandon those people in your life that are important to you. It means you are taking time for yourself so that you have more to give. You know you have so much to offer, you are capable and strong – no one can stop you from being awesome. Taking some time to re-center means setting healthy boundaries for yourself so you can continue to rock.

Challenging yourself in small ways on a daily basis is great, as are routine and structure. You can’t go wrong with doing them all, or dabbling until you find something that works best for you. Remember, you actually know yourself better than anyone else. Just try something, anything new to re-inspire yourself, recharge your batteries and refresh your spirit.

Put YOU first!! I challenge you! Try something new everyday for the next 30 days! Track these new things by either writing them in a journal, creating a collage on Pinterest, or posting them daily on your social media for others to share. Be your own muse. Share it to inspire and motivate yourself and others. Show others how they can avoid burnout.