Even though burnout is preventable, it can sneak up on us when we least expect it.
Getting enough sleep and taking regular breaks is one of the most popular ways to prevent it.
However, there is another method that is less talked about.
It all comes down to adding structure to your day.
Get Creative
Even if every day for you is incredibly different, you can still add structure to it. You’ll just have to get a little creative.
Constantly moving on from task to task without some sort of a plan can be confusing and overwhelming.
Every Decision Adds Up
First thing in the morning or before you go to sleep, spend a few minutes visualizing your ideal day in your mind.
What would you prepare for breakfast? How many meetings will you have, and when will they happen?
Again, this doesn’t have to be a set-in-stone system.
But having somewhat of a rough idea can eliminate the need to make so many decisions under stress.
Studies show that the average adult makes around 35,000 choices per day! That is a huge number.
Small decisions such as what cereal you’d like for breakfast or what to wear to your Zoom meeting may seem pretty simple. But when you’re so exhausted or drained, every decision can be tough.
Planning out your day before decision fatigue hits in can help make your day run smoothly.
Time Flies
Have you ever had one of those days where one minute it was 10 AM and the next it was 3 PM?
Those days can be quite interesting. Time flies when you’re having fun or extremely busy.
When we’re that busy, sometimes we can forget to check in with ourselves and see how we’re feeling.
We could be feeling stressed and not even realize it. Make an effort to check in with yourself a few times a day and ask yourself how you feel at that moment.
If you feel energized and productive, that’s amazing; keep going.
But if you notice yourself feeling a little tired or stressed, it may be time to call it a day or take a much-needed break.
Catching these feelings early on can help prevent them from escalating to burnout.
