You can’t slow down, maybe.

You are always working.

When are you moving towards burnout and how can you get help?

Set work boundaries but try to find (more) meaning at work, especially the hours and days. Take days off. Take holidays.

Meet with friends and family (that give you energy).

Avoid self medication -

But check with your GP regarding your health. Make sour you are well nourished and that your blood counts, blood pressure and heart are all good and doing well.

Do the same things that I suggested in my happiness blog: https://www.jehle-coaching.com/blog/2022/3/28/resilience-in-2022?rq=happiness

Also, remember the PPFs (Being grateful for the past, savoring the present and looking to the future with hope - my favorite “mantra”.) and

When you are moving to burnout and seemingly cannot slow down, you might have to take some more drastic measures and then look at your work and life priorities.

First and foremost, do not skip time with people whom you care for and love, be with “your people” more. 

For those of you who think that working harder to get things done, literally, overwork makes you less efficient. If you work more than 50 hours a week, research says you are not efficient in your work. Period (you can look it up yourself)

Make sure you are not married to your job, either (you should, hopefully, feel good about your work, but it cannot be your soul activity and become your identity). You are not your position, nor are you “just” what you accomplish or produce.

So, instead of overworking, stop working when your “time is up”, and go to dinner or for a walk with a friend.

Focus on what is good around you (PPFs) and be grateful, savor the present moment (flowers everywhere right now), and have positive things planned for the future. This will make you happier.

Also, when it comes to “happiness”, it can be accomplished is rather unintuitive ways like:

Being happy about your job and what that job contributes to “the greater good” like this, possibly:

1.     In a job well-done (and if possible, within the time and financial constraints)

2.     In reaching a goal (this could also be a non-work related goal)

Also, avoid self-medication to continue working or to shut down and relax. This is a slippery slope. People who do this regularly are in danger of  becoming “addicted” to this way of working more/calming down and that is not healthy for mind, body or soul. If this is the case, please tell your doctor about this habit!

Healthy activity for mind, body, and soul (mindfulness, concerts, exercise, etc.). I have already written about this, before, so look it up on my blog.

Doing good to others, especially “strangers” (no kidding!) This really helps, so maybe work at a soup kitchen or volunteer for something else. Or call an ailing friend or family member.

All these activities (and more) can help you keep from burning out. But boundaries at work is the most important. Do not overwork. If you are concerned about this, you might want to contact me, as have other clients and have some coaching against falling into burnout.

Finally enjoy the spring, as nature is really helpful and this time of year is very beautiful!

Patricia Jehle             patricia@jehle-coaching.com