Burnout is a very real problem
AT A GLANCE
Burnout lurks around the corner for everyone, regardless of status or position. Recognizing this, we must prioritize our wellbeing to achieve sustainable productivity.
By Honey Reyes
Most of us want to concentrate better and do more in our day. And wouldn’t it be great to work even harder without feeling too tired or overwhelmed?
But here’s the thing—burnout can happen to anyone, whether you’re a big-shot CEO or just starting at a job. No one is immune! The World Health Organization said burnout is a real medical problem. They define burnout as feeling super stressed from work and unable to handle it well. When you’ve got so much to do, it feels like you’re drowning in it.
There are two keys to increasing productivity without burning out. How can we reduce the behaviors that cause burnout and “chronic workplace stress” and increase productivity during the working day?
1.Reducing screen time
A 2019 survey of 1,057 office workers in the US found that 87 percent of professionals stare at screens for seven hours a day on average during the workday.
Although our laptops and other gadgets are essential for work, how many take deliberate breaks from screens? It’s crucial to take regular breaks from screens and other electronics.
Close your laptop and stroll outside. According to one study, “employees who take breaks every 90 minutes report a higher level of focus and productivity.” As a result, your brain can rest in preparation for your subsequent work.
2.Engage in focused intervals
Parallel to this, researchers in human performance science have determined that optimal performance requires rest. According to experts, if you don’t follow the pattern of constantly pushing yourself to accomplish more and more incredible things, you’re only half correct.
You may get better at anything you do when you find the correct balance between exerting hard work and taking the necessary breaks and recovery to allow the strenuous effort to sink in.
Being more productive requires not just getting the seven or eight hours of sleep many CEOs and entrepreneurs overlook, but also extending your rest and strategically timing your breaks throughout the workday.
Put another way, you can increase the productivity if you take a step back and give yourself five to 10 minutes of respite for every hour you work. Using this interval-based productivity strategy can revolutionize the workplace.
In our quest to be more productive, we often need to remember the importance of balance. Burnout lurks around the corner for everyone, regardless of status or position. Recognizing this, we must prioritize our well-being to achieve sustainable productivity.
By embracing strategies like reducing screen time and engaging in focused intervals, we can enhance our efficiency and safeguard our mental health. Remember, it’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter and taking the necessary breaks to recharge.
In pursuing productivity, let’s pay attention to the value of rest. It’s not a sign of weakness but a pathway to long-term success. So, as we navigate the demands of work and life, let’s prioritize self-care and find harmony between effort and recovery.
