How to Avoid Burnout in 2022

As we settle into the first month of the New Year, new plans have been made and many try to keep track of their resolutions. Although changes are plentiful in our personal and professional lives, the pandemic seems to have extended its stay. This has further delayed the return-to-office plans of many companies. While remote workers gear up for another year of working from home, some workers make plans for a hybrid model of work and still, many others continue to work away at their office cubicles.
Whatever your work setting may be, it’s important to stay productive while you don’t burn out. Here are some tips to stay on top of your game and avoid burnout in 2022!

Working From Home

It may seem comfortable to work inside the safety of your home. For many, this comfort brings them happiness. But for many others, WFH is associated with a lack of motivation. Staying indoors and the lack of movement can result in a low mood and lack of concentration. With the ongoing winter and fewer hours of sunlight, make sure to keep your Vitamin D levels in check. The vitamin plays a key role in staying happy, active and focused. 

When you work from home, the boundaries between rest and work are often blurred. The occasional late-night email or an after-work-hour call won’t hurt but when it disrupts your sleep and rest hours, it could prove dangerous. Make sure you’re not working around the clock. Set rest hours and keep your work devices away. During the day, create a routine to eat, shower and take breaks during work.

Use Up Those Holidays

Saving up holidays for a vacation at the end of the year is a great idea. But make sure you’re not ‘punishing yourself’ for it. Yes, an annual vacation could help but a day off every now and then never hurt anyone. Spread your holidays out through the year and take some time off. Do not wait for your brain to be overloaded with work to take a day off. Instead, focus on rewarding yourself every 3-4 weeks with a break from work and treat yourself! In addition to this, don’t be afraid to ask your supervisors or mentors for some time off if things get too rough. Throughout the pandemic, almost every workforce has dealt with stress and burnout and we’ve learned that a little compassion goes a long way. If you’re not feeling your best, don’t hesitate to bring it up or even ask for an extended deadline. 

Stay Active 

It has been found that physical activity and exercise can increase dopamine levels in the body. It keeps stress levels at bay and helps you stay in shape. With the rapid spread of the virus, it might not be advisable to hit the gyms. But who needs a gym when you can do it all at home? Whether it’s 15-20 minutes of yoga, a workout, or even a walk to the grocery store, finding a routine to include simple steps like these to remain healthy can go a long way in staying focused at work. Find fun ways to stay active- dance to your favorite songs, try out new recipes or start DIY projects around the house. You’ll slowly notice how tiny changes to your everyday routine make a large difference over time.

With new career goals and plans in place, let’s kick 2022 off with a good start. While not everything may have returned to normal, it’s time we begin to describe our own ‘normals’ and work around situations to stay productive and avoid burning out.