Burnout is a real and extinguishing force you can face as a high performer. As a veteran entrepreneur, it’s something I’ve dealt with a few times in my career. Here are ten ways you can dramatically reduce your chances of burnout and will help you get back to “normal” quickly if you’re currently in the burnout lull.
- Exercise – Exercising is one of the most powerful ways to prevent and overcome burnout. The downside? You usually don’t feel like doing it when you’re in the burnout lull. Start by signing up for a gym membership and getting an accountability partner. Any exercise is better than none, and while a rigorous workout is best, even a 20 minute walk a day can help you beat burnout.
- Drink Lots of Water – Our bodies are made up of more than 70% water. If you’re tired, hydration is more than likely one of the factors at play. The first thing you drink when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed should be a large glass of water.
- Practice Gratitude – Ideally during exercise, go through your mind about all of the things you are grateful for. Having a hard time? Start with the fact that you’re alive. That you can see, feel, touch, etc. It is amazingly effective and has been shown to have tremendous psychological benefits.
- Socialize – The last thing you should do when you are facing or in burnout is to isolate. It’s not a mentally healthy path. Socializing can boost your physical, mental, and emotional health. Restricted by your location to visit with family and friends? Pick up the phone or facetime at least once a day to build your relationships. It will boost your life and those you connect with.
- Practice Mindfulness – Take small breaks throughout the day to be mindful of how you are feeling. It’s being fully conscious of how you are feeling mentally and physically, and not just letting the day run you. Many people use this as a form of therapy. For some, this is saying a prayer. For others, it’s quietly thinking while walking.
- Create a Consistent Schedule – Often times when I talk to high performers who face burnout, their schedules involve late nights and inconsistent schedules. Get a schedule that consistently works for you. Create small consistencies to give your day shape and structure. It can be as simple as the first few things you do in the day such as getting coffee, reading, and exercising. It will help create a foundation for you to build from and provide consistency in the midst of chaos.
- Get 8 Hours of Sleep – Sleep is critical to how our bodies and minds function over the long run. Yes, there are people that can sleep only 4 hours a night. Unless you are fully optimized both mentally and physically, it’s a recipe for disaster. Sleep deficiency can lead to a host of mental and physical issues in the long run.
- Eat Well – We put premium gasoline in our cars to help them run their best and increase longevity, yet we often settle for less than premium fuel in our bodies. Eat clean, healthy foods, and you’ll see a boost in your mental and physical performance.
- Take Time to Rest – Working 7 days a week for 18 hour days can only last so long. Take time to rest at least one day a week. On your off day/s, try to spend time with friends and family, and doing something you thoroughly enjoy. It lets your mental tank refuel.
- Believe In Yourself – Work on building belief in yourself. That way, even when you face obstacles, you’ll have the confidence that you’ll be able to get through it. Challenges, burnout, and life events are bound to happen. How you react to it is what matters, and you have within you the power to get through it and past it.
Eric Corl is a nationally recognized business owner with over 15 years as a high performing entrepreneur. He is based out of Columbus, Ohio.