Be kind to avoid burnout
Practising self-kindness can help protect you against burnout – here’s why.
Practicing self-kindness is a powerful way to avoid burnout. When you’re kind to yourself, you put your own well being first. You’re more likely to take breaks, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize protective fundamentals such as sleep, diet, and exercise.
How to be kind to yourself
Speak to yourself like you would speak to a friend.
Try to reframe past mistakes as learning experiences.
Actively shift your focus onto the positive things in your life.
Take time to celebrate your personal accomplishments.
Make time for the things you enjoy in life.
Be realistic about your self-expectations.
Stay connected to people you care about.
Rest often.
Move your body in a way you enjoy.
Eat food that makes you feel healthy and strong.
Sleep, diet, and exercise
Known as ‘protective fundamentals’, sleep, diet, and exercise are so important when it comes to preventing burnout. Prioritizing each of these things is a powerful way to be kind to yourself.
Let’s take a closer look at each protective fundamental.
Sleep
Try to go to sleep at the same time every night.
Avoid screens directly before bed.
Use white noise to drift off.
Diet
Eat a balanced diet to assist in the regeneration of brain chemicals.
Avoid using food for comfort.
Plan healthy meals so you don’t need to rely on fast food.
Exercise
You don’t need to run a marathon. Move in a way you enjoy. Take it easy.
Regular exercise is ideal. Make it a habit.
Walking, biking, and swimming are low impact ways to get started.
Be there for yourself
When we have a lot on our plates, we tend to sacrifice our hobbies, passions, and even health. While this might give us some time in the short term, eventually it catches up with us – and could put us on the road to burnout. Practicing self-kindness, making time for things you enjoy, and prioritizing sleep, diet, and exercise are some of the best things you can do to keep burnout at bay.