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Preventing Burnout

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all experienced burnout. Many of us are balancing demanding careers, quality family time, social time and even the occasional car breakdown. As a working mom of a busy five-year-old and another on the way, I can honestly say that I have hit that wall of exhaustion too many times. Whether you’re a parent or not, I think we can agree that our day doesn’t end when we leave the office. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind and I’m sure most of us have gotten to the point where we haven’t taken the time we need to reset. When burnout hits there is no stopping it and our mental and physical health suffer the consequences.

As a marketing professional, I am always working to connect and engage with the PSA audience which requires a combination of creative and strategic thinking. When work and life become overwhelming it can be difficult to tap into those areas of the brain. When I reach full burnout, I typically find myself in a funk both creatively and strategically. While life doesn’t slow down on its own, I have discovered that I own the power to proactively prevent burnout before it strikes. One small lifestyle change has substantially decreased the amount of burnout I experience.

I own the power to proactively prevent burnout before it strikes

My “one thing” is exercise. When I started carving a little time for myself most days of the week, everything else in my life became more manageable. Sure there are weeks where I can only squeak out 30 minute workouts twice a week, but even that little bit of “me” time clears my head and offers a much needed mental reset.  When I combine that with good food choices, I have experienced higher levels of clarity during the work day and the energy I need to keep up with my little one. As an added benefit, the stronger I get in the weight room the more empowered I feel as a woman who is trying to leave a positive footprint. Taking control of my health and fitness has decreased my mental and physical exhaustion and greatly improved my quality of life.

 I believe that each of us has something we can tap into to help our minds reset.

While exercise is “my thing,” I realize it’s not for everyone. I believe that each of us has something we can tap into to help our minds reset. As we approach 2016, I ask you to think about the one thing you can do to actively improve your mental and/or physical health to stay on your A game. I firmly believe that when we are healthy mentally and physically we are able to shine in all areas of life both inside the office and out.