Here's how you can recognize the warning signs of burnout and take action.

To remedy burnout, we must first become aware that we have that experience. Our minds and bodies can manifest various symptoms. For instance, I have had issues waking in the morning, an overwhelming urge to "veg" on the couch, or some degree of irritation when interacting with others. Oftentimes, I may not fully understand that I have burned out until I receive feedback from family, friends, or coworkers. Practicing daily mindfulness, having a great relationship with your spouse or significant other so you can talk about your feelings, and observing our own behaviors and emotions can help us to know we may draw near to our limit. Instead of dismissing what we feel, accept them as the first step to burnout recovery.

In today's fast-paced world, where the pursuit of success often leads to burnout, mastering certain mental disciplines is critical if you want to achieve lasting excellence. Whether you are an athlete who wants to compete in the Olympic Games. Whether you are a CEO leading a multinational company. Or someone who is simply trying to excel as a parent, partner, or student. Understanding and applying these disciplines can transform your approach to challenges. and bring you to significant achievements.

Recharging your body is a good thing.Limit this time so you don’t fall into a slump. I’ve found a small recharge helps me refocus and delivers me a new found energy that propels me closer to my goals!! Balance is everything

Everyone says "seek support", but what does this really mean? For example, how many organisations encourage their people to seek support, but when they do, it damages their longer-term career prospects at the organisation. Support is something that must be embedded throughout the whole organisation for a) people to ask for it; b) for it to be effective. So, what can good support look like? Well, it will depend on the person and their situation. For example, one person might need time off whilst another might need some additional support on a difficult project. Remember that support can come from a range of places and make sure to use them all, whether your doctor, family, friends or your organisation.

Setting boundaries is vital in preventing burnout. It's about defining work hours and adhering to them, saying no to extra tasks when you're already at capacity, and taking regular breaks during the day. By doing so, you allow yourself to recharge and prevent work stress from seeping into personal time, which is key for maintaining overall well-being. For example, consider someone who declines additional projects once their plate is full, ensuring they leave work at a set time each day. This practice helps maintain a healthy balance and sustains long-term productivity and mental health.

If you are a manager, be sure to prioritize the health of your team as well. Ask team members if they'd prefer to do walking 1:1 meeting. Even if they are remote, you can pick a time that works for both you, put on your earplugs, and head out the door. You get some sunshine and exercise while still being productive at work.

Embracing downtime is crucial for preventing burnout. It's not merely a break from work but a chance to recharge through activities that bring joy and rejuvenate your spirit. For instance, spending time on hobbies or enjoying moments with loved ones can significantly reduce stress levels. By scheduling regular intervals for these activities, individuals can disconnect from work pressures, fostering mental recovery and promoting a balanced life. For example, someone who dedicates weekends solely to personal hobbies finds themselves more refreshed and motivated when returning to work. This practice supports sustained well-being and enhances overall effectiveness.

Engage in self-reflection to identify what currently matters most to you. Take some time to sit down and list your top life priorities. This exercise can serve as an effective burnout prevention technique as well. By clearly understanding your priorities, you can better evaluate whether the activities consuming your time and energy are truly worthwhile. Secondly, Trust your mind—it often signals when something is off. Pay attention to the burnout cues by embedding small breaks in the day to breathe, reflect on your thoughts, and assess your feelings. This practice is incredibly powerful and beneficial.