Take a break before you burn out
This weekend was a special one.
I spent it in Wales with some brothers and friends. We met to talk about rest and responsibility. When you take a leadership role in the family, a business or a project, it can often feel like you are always on. You don’t take days off because you are essentially the last line of defence or ultimately responsible for the product.
This pressure can be hard to bare and so we took time off. It was inconvenient and in the middle of a hectic spell at work, but, it was needed. We prayed for each other, cried, laughed and also just offloaded. It was an extraordinary moment.
The reason we took this break was to prevent burnout. Not to respond to it but to prevent it. Most people wait too late to take breaks and then burn out spectacularly.
I’ve written about this issue before in an entry called ‘How I avoid burnout’ but we should start by getting the same understanding of what i mean by burn out
What Is Burnout?
Best we start with two important definitions of burnout:
"A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in emotionally demanding situations." – Ayala Pines and Elliot Aronson.
"A state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life, or relationship that failed to produce the expected reward." – Herbert J. Freudenberger.
Between them, these definitions embrace the essence of burnout, with the first stressing the part that exhaustion plays in it, and the second focusing on the sense of disillusionment that is at its core. You may have felt something like this before.
Anyone can become exhausted, so you shouldn't feel too guilty for it. What is so poignant about burnout is that it mainly strikes people that highly committed to their work or responsibility: you can only "burn out" if you have been "alight" in the first place.
While exhaustion can be overcome with rest, a core part of burnout is a deep sense of disillusionment, and it is not experienced by people who can take a more cynical view of their work.
So how do we avoid burnout in the first place?
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work, deadlines, and responsibilities. We often push ourselves to the limit, thinking that if we work harder and longer, we'll achieve more success. But the truth is, without taking a break, we're setting ourselves up for burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can have serious consequences on our health, relationships, and overall well-being. That's why it's crucial to take a break before you burn out.
Here are three reasons why:
Taking a break improves your productivity It may seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks can actually make you more productive in the long run. When we work for long stretches of time without a break, our focus and concentration start to wane. We become easily distracted and make more mistakes, which can lead to a decrease in productivity. However, when we take a break, we give our brain a chance to recharge and refocus. This can help us come back to our work with renewed energy and a clearer mind, making us more productive in the long run.
Taking a break improves your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but we often neglect it in favour of our work and other responsibilities. When we don't take breaks, we're more likely to experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. These can have serious consequences on our mental health, leading to burnout, mood swings, and even mental breakdowns. Taking regular breaks, whether it's a short walk, a cup of tea, or a weekend getaway, can help us manage our stress levels and improve our mental health. It gives us a chance to step back from our work and focus on other things that bring us joy and relaxation.
Taking a break improves your relationships When we're constantly working and stressed, it's easy to neglect our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. We may be physically present, but our minds are often preoccupied with work, making it difficult to be fully present and engaged in our relationships. Taking a break gives us a chance to spend quality time with the people we care about, strengthening our relationships and improving our overall well-being. It also gives us a chance to connect with ourselves, reflect on our goals and priorities, and make sure we're living a life that aligns with our values and beliefs.
In conclusion, taking a break before you burn out is essential for your productivity, mental health, and relationships. It may seem counterintuitive, but regular breaks can actually make you more productive in the long run by allowing you to recharge and refocus. They can also help you manage stress levels and improve your mental health, leading to a happier, healthier life. So next time you find yourself working long hours without a break, remember that taking a break is not a luxury, but a necessity for your overall well-being.
Public Speaking Masterclass
On the 1st of April 2023, I will be hosting an intimate Public Speaking Masterclass for a small group of people. We will have a chance to give speeches, and recreate tough interview settings and you will have a chance to get feedback from me on your speaking and delivery.
I’m planning for it to be a transformative evening where we take our public speaking to a new level. You can grab a ticket now before they are finished
Have an amazing week,
M.T. Omoniyi