How to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burn Out

Even though I like what I do, occasionally I'll work too many long hours on a new market, property or strategy and get burned out. I get tired of working on the same project and can't stand the thought of going back to work on it. When that happens I take a break. I'll go for a long walk, perhaps a couple of miles to completely relax. 

Studies show that a 20 minute walk around the block or parking lot during lunch can have the same relaxing effect. Turn off your cell phone, don't check email and put away your laptop when taking a break. Take an over-all break from work related activities. I think this is even more true during the stresses today…I mean we’re living in a pandemic with political strife and economic uncertainties. 

Always take a lunch break, even if you're not hungry. Drive to the park or get outside. A change in scenery can help clear your mind of work or anything else that’s piling up and help you relieve stress. 

The longer you can get away the better you'll feel. Two week vacations will rejuvenate you, but most of us can't afford to be away from work for that long. Instead take off a Thursday and Friday or a Monday and Tuesday to extend a weekend. You don't have to go anywhere to find relaxation. Sometimes taking a break from your work will help you realize what's important and what you can do better when you return. 

Use that time to identify the areas that cause you the most stress and problems. Is it a particular person, lack of knowledge, fear of unknown, or just too much on your plate? Once you have identified the problem you can come up with a plan to deal with the stressor. Sometimes just changing the way you deal with the stressor makes things better. 

Those times that I feel like I'm being pulled in a hundred different directions and there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done makes me realize I'm on the path to becoming burned out. That's why it's important to manage expectations. First I admit to myself that I can't squeeze everything in. And I don't try to. I only do what I can. 

Maintaining a good work-life balance is key to keeping that burnt out feeling at bay (I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but it’s true). Working from home should create more balance, but it often just leads to working more and added frustration from lack of balance. During stressful times I'll make sure I get together & bbq with my friends that weekend or do something fun with Chip & Cal like our new obsession with disc golf. Social events always pulls my thoughts away from work and reenergize me. 

If I ever get to the point where I'm cynical about the work I'm doing I look for ways to improve my outlook. I make a list of all the things I enjoy about my work. I try not to get too down and maintain a positive attitude. 

If you are already burned out, ignoring how you feel won't make the problem go away. Instead feed your artistic side. Creativity is a powerful antidote to burnout. Take a painting class, start up an old hobby again, or decorate a room. Even de-cluttering a closet can have amazing effects on our feelings of accomplishment. Choose activities that have nothing to do with work and allow you to express your creative, artistic side.

An extension of that is to try to think out of the box. This makes you challenge yourself and spices things up! Find innovative ways to do the tasks you loathe, tweak your current offers in a new way to get better results, or imagine new strategies & markets you can add to your business. The trick is to get your brain out of its rut and to think in new ways that will ultimately uplift your soul.

Best of Success ~Andrea

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