Job burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem. Many people complain that they spend too much time on their jobs, deal with overwhelming pressure and impossible deadlines, and get very little reward and satisfaction from what they do. However, the economic crisis has made it difficult for them to look for other jobs. What is the solution?
Invest in good health
Stress can take tremendous toll on the body. It’s been linked to heart disease and increased risk for heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Even moderate levels of stress can affect the immune system.
If you can’t afford to quit your job, at least make sure your salary doesn’t all go to doctor’s bills. Eat a proper diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, and try to get 6 to 8 hours a day. Balance a long night at the office with an afternoon nap, or get high quality sleep by investing in a good mattress and creating a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom. Look for a good form of stress relief.
Manage expectations
Talk to your boss about which projects to prioritize. Be frank about what you can or can’t do, but give solutions or suggest alternatives. For example: ‘I can’t submit the report by Friday, since I’m focusing on getting that new account. I can either email you a rough outline on Friday, or submit a more complete report by Tuesday morning.’
Identify potential problems
Planning and troubleshooting can help prevent many of the problems that will suck up by the little time and energy you have. One way to identify problems is to list the steps in every process: what could go wrong? What do you need to make sure that doesn’t happen? You should also consult other members of your team, especially those who have prior experience in these projects.
Work with your body clock
What times of the day are you most alert? If you’re a morning person, then use that ‘golden hour’ to handle more mentally challenging tasks. If you know you’ll get an energy slump in mid-afternoon, then use that time to do routine things like checking email or returning calls.
Stay organized
We often waste precious hours looking for a lost number, or shuffling through papers on the desk. Keep contact information in one place, use only one calendar or planner, and streamline your filing system so you only keep what you need and know exactly where to find it.
Create a protective cushion
A study on job burnout revealed that the best defense against it is to nurture social relationships. Even those who had the same workload, work hours and even the same boss as their disatisfied colleagues felt significantly happier because their emotional needs were met by family, friends, and enjoyable hobbies.
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