Burnout. It’s the millennial plague that most of manage to keep at bay, but usually spends a fair amount of time hiding on the edges. Australian milliennials are said to be some of the most stressed in the world – so how can you keep the burnout at bay? Writer Mianna Korben has a a few practical tips and tricks up her sleeve:
Keep a spreadsheet of all your accomplishments at work
No matter how simple or irrelevant they may seem, tasks you need to tackle on a daily basis can definitely put you under a lot of stress. Especially if you have a busy working schedule, which is exactly why you should always keep a spreadsheet of all your accomplishments. It’s important for your own professional development and marketability in the first place. On the other hand, it will also represent your accomplishments during the annual review process, so make sure not to skip this step at any cost. Apart from helping you stay organised, your spreadsheet will allow your manager to see your impact on the organization of the whole company, which is another essential aspect that mustn’t be overlooked.
Take a mental health day
Having too much going on your mind and juggling between dozens of tasks on a weekly basis will inevitably affect your overall well-being, and it will have a negative impact on your mental health as well. We all feel extra pressure to start every initiative, work overtime – and that means we never take days off, right?
Don’t let the pressure get too much – start being proactive about your mental health and take at least one mental health day a month. Taking a short break from work and everyday adult responsibilities will help you focus and sort out your priorities properly, so don’t be ashamed of it and put your mental health first.
Do your best to exercise as often as possible
Yes, we know that it sounds like a cliché, but the fact is that physical activity and happiness are closely intertwined. When you’re working out, hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are released into the brain, making you feel even more energised. Endorphins are known as natural painkillers, whereas dopamine is a habit-forming hormone that keeps you coming back for more.
Serotonin helps you sleep better, controls your appetite and regulates your mood. Of course, as long as you’ll physically active, it doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you’ll go for. However, if you really want to get the most of your workout and feel pumped up even when your workout is all done, try a post-workout whey protein shake. It will decrease muscle soreness while increasing your strength and muscle mass, which is what you should look for.
Pamper yourself at least once a week
No, pampering doesn’t have to mean dropping big dollars on expensive in-salon treatments, facials, and body massages (although that never hurts!) but there are ways to completely unwind and relax in the comfort of your home, without having to spend more than $10. First of all, start off with a playlist of songs that always put you in a good mood. Then draw yourself a nice, hot bath with some exfoliating salts, and apply a nourishing DIY mask. And then grab a cup of hot tea, or a glass of bubbles – why not? You surely deserve it!
Always stay focused and motivated
Finding motivation can be quite challenging, especially when you’re keeping up with hectic working schedule, but you know what? It’s not impossible, so do your best to stay motivated and therefore keep yourself from burning out. Yes, we know that you’re on your way towards becoming financially stable and independent, as financial stability inevitably leads to other things like saving up for the future, travelling more, and living your best life in general. It can be really easy to lose your motivation somewhere along the way, especially when things don’t really go as planned, but you should remember why you’re doing it in the first place. Don’t let your goals be a source of stress, but instead a force that motivates you to give all you have and receive only the best in return. That’s the way to stay motivated no matter what!
