In today’s culture of busyness, people think it’s cool to brag about how little sleep they need to get by. They think burning the midnight oil is the only way to get ahead. However, in reality, it’s only burning them out. Avoiding business burnout starts with de-stressing. Here are 5 simple tips to ensure you’re getting the rest you need to operate at peak performance.
Listen to Your Body’s Warning Signs
Extreme exhaustion can cause you to literally crash. The fact is, if you’re crashing or experiencing major mood shifts, it can mean your body is begging you to put on the brakes. Do yourself (and those around you) a favour and listen to what it tells you.
Take Outdoor Breaks
Rest doesn’t always have to mean sleep. I lose focus when I’m stuck behind a desk or in meetings all day — so one of my favourite ways to take a breather is to get outside. When you feel rundown at work, take a stroll, read a book in the sun, or head to the park for some fresh air meditation. Getting outside can do wonders to jumpstart your system.
Create a Sleep Schedule
Everyone has different needs when it comes to sleep. For me, the magic number is 7.5 hours. Anything less and I’m not functioning at my full potential. I’ve found that sticking to the 90-minute sleep cycle rule keeps me at optimum productivity. Find whatever works for you and build it into your schedule, no compromises.
Leave Work at the Office
Resisting the urge to check emails from bed is a great start, but it’s even better if you don’t bring work home in the first place. Business emails and phone calls are often about unexpected conflicts. When you allow these stressors to creep into your personal life, it affects your mood, your ability to relax and, ultimately, your sleep. If you really struggle to leave work at work, try downloading a site blocker that will bar you from checking social media and email at times you choose.
Don’t Feel Guilty About Taking a Break
Admitting you need to slow down and recharge is difficult for any ambitious person. Taking a break is the hardest part of the process — but recognising you’re close to burnout is the most important step to avoiding it altogether.
