The Burnout Cure: Seven Tips

How to take back control in your life

Are you overwhelmed?

Overworked?

Over-committed?

All of the above?  So many clients that I talk to everyday would describe themselves as burned out not fired up. Days are characterized by TOO MUCH.

There is too much to do on the job. Just answering emails is a never-ending task.

There is too much to do at home. When they arrive at home, the evening is spent catching up on numerous family responsibilities; chauffeuring children to endless activities, house-keeping tasks and helping with homework.

Oh, yes and then there is connecting with your spouse. Do you take the time for quality time with your significant other?

What’s the antidote to burnout?  Here are seven tips to keep your life from spinning out of control

1. Create a master schedule for your upcoming week and set your priorities. Be realistic and reasonable. Stack similar tasks on the same days whenever possible. This means that Monday may be the day to spend the day writing or connecting with clients. Set aside one day for appointments or errands so that you can maintain focus.
2. For any task that you plan, first ask yourself:
   • Is this necessary? If the answer is no, then eliminate it! We all have too many things we are doing mindlessly that aren’t even useful or necessary.
   • Can this be automated? For instance, pay bills online, automatically. Set up systems whenever possible.
   • Can this be delegated? Too many working women still hold themselves responsible for innumerable  chores that they could easily have someone else do. Can your children pitch in? Can you alternate the task with a friend or a neighbor? Can you pay someone to do it?  Save your energy and time for what you do best (your genius work) and what no one else can do (your relationships).
3. Create a morning routine that sets you up for a successful day. Get up early enough to spend some quiet time in reflection and setting your priorities for the day.   DO NOT begin the day by checking email, Facebook or any other social media forum. Create and work your own agenda not someone else’s.
4. Say yes sparingly and no frequently. There are endless opportunities and possibilities in everyday life. If you say yes to all of them, you will soon be over-committed, over-whelmed and over-worked. Know your main purpose and mission so that you only say yes to those things that fulfill that purpose. Don’t let someone else or your own conscience guilt you into saying yes when you need and want to say no.
5. Create healthy rituals and routines that are a habit not a choice. Schedule your exercise times and down times just like you would schedule an appointment with an important client. (Which, by the way YOU ARE your most important client). Plan ahead for healthy eating options so you don’t default to drive-through-fast-food.
6. Practice gratitude. Staying in touch with what you are grateful for on a daily basis will decrease your burnout and increase your joy.  Guaranteed.
7. Give yourself a break. Most entrepreneurs and career women are incredibly hard on themselves and hold themselves to an impossibly high standard. The benefit of this is that you accomplish more and what you do is of higher quality. Make sure that you know when to turn it off and just relax. Practice saying: Now it’s time to stop working so that I can renew and refresh myself. Then do it!!

Ready to make a change in your life?

Want to create an exit plan from your job?

Need a coach to hold you accountable?

Email me to set up a free coaching clarity call:  dream@lynnewatts.com

Let’s start making a new future together.