02/ 09/ 2006
by Tamara E. Holmes
It’s important to your success that you keep employees from experiencing burnout, but what happens when you fall into a rut? Whether personal challenges, business roadblocks or just boredom with everyday life are the culprit, anyone can go through a period of feeling unmotivated and disinterested in work. But when the boss becomes unmotivated, the entire business can suffer. Fortunately, if you're suffering from burnout, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:
Take some time off. Sometimes all you need to feel better is a vacation. If you've been bogged down with deadlines or stressful business decisions, burnout could be your body’s way of telling you that you need a break. Even if you can't take a week off from work right now, try taking a day off or even leaving early a few days in a row. Make sure that you spend your time off doing something you enjoy, and that you avoid all work-related contact, unless an emergency arises.
Plan your day. When experiencing burnout, you may find it difficult to maintain your focus for long periods of time. Recognize your most productive times of the day and plan to do the most important tasks during those hours. When creating your schedule, prioritize tasks, so you know which ones don't have to be done that day, if you don't feel like it.
Start a new project. If you've been interested in trying out a new business idea or researching a new market, now might be the time to pursue it. By spending time doing something that holds your attention, you might add enough excitement to your workday to get back in the swing of things in other areas as well.
Delegate tasks. If you're not feeling your best, it might make sense to let a trusted employee or business partner handle some of your important duties. You might also let this employee know you're not feeling well, and ask that he or she pick up the slack if necessary.
Watch your diet. During burnout, it’s often tempting to eat quick, pick-me-up foods and beverages that contain caffeine and sugar. The problem with these is that, after a short while, the burst of energy they originally give tends to give way to an energy crash. Eat well-balanced meals when you're feeling unproductive, so you can create a steady source of energy for yourself.
Add exercise to your day. Another way to add some pep to your step is by committing to a regular exercise routine. Give yourself an hour several times a week to spend in the gym or take a brisk walk outside of the office. Not only will your health benefit from the workout, but exercise will improve the mood as well.
Get your rest. Fatigue is a common cause of burnout. If you've been working tirelessly for a long period of time, your feelings of listlessness may be the result of a lack of sufficient rest. This isn't the time to schedule late nights. Give yourself ample time to wind down and get your sleep.
Give yourself time. Accept the fact that you're feeling unmotivated and give the symptoms time to work themselves out. However, understand that burnout should not be a permanent state of being. If weeks go by, and you're still feeling listless and unmotivated, figure out what deeper issues are bothering you. If you're having trouble pinpointing them, don't be afraid to seek counseling.
Most people suffer a case of burnout at some point in their careers. By being proactive in controlling your symptoms and getting help if they go on for too long, you can overcome that challenge at no cost to your business.
