Keep job burnout at bay

This post came out from The Straits Times (2 March 2016)
Title - Keep job burnout at bay

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Acknowledge the issue
2. Set aside time for relaxation
3. Increase your work productivity
4. Concentrate on what you can control
5. Re-evaluate your strengths, passion and values

On Acknowledge the issue

• Do not sweep the problem under the carpet and wait for it to go away. Take concrete steps to resolve the issue. Re-evaluate your current work practices and workload. If you cannot manage your workload well, it is unlikely you can sustain producing good quality work. Think of long term solutions and apply them, rather than short term quick fixes.

On Set aside time for relaxation

• Giving yourself permission to take a break from work. Set appropriate boundaries and refrain from checking emails or answering calls during those periods. Have an active non-work life. Keeping to a regular exercise routine helps to release the physical tension and stiffness accumulated from sitting at your desk for long hours. Being part of interest or hobby groups can help tot take your mind off work and leave you feeling more recharged.

On Increase your work productivity

• Dropping unnecessary tasks to give additional attention to more important ones. Be organised. Put aside 10 minutes to 15 minutes at the start of each workday to play your day and week ahead. With competing deadlines and rapidly changing priorities, list all the tasks you have to complete and highlight those that are more urgent or important. Often, job stress is related to time - having to accomplish something within a specific time limit. 
• As mornings are usually when you are the most well rested and alert, attend to urgent or important priorities first, although they may not be the most enjoyable or simplest of tasks. During the course of the day, allocate time for strategic breaks to rejuvenate yourself and get more work accomplished.

On Concentrate on what you can control

• Identify the sources of your stress and differentiate between those you can control and those you cannot. Be positive and stop agonising over matters you have no control over, such as how your supervisor works. 
• Instead, channel your energy into areas you can control, like improving your productivity level or the quality of your work. Spending effort on what you can control propels you forward and invigorates you.

On Re-evaluate your strengths, passion and values

• Ideally, your career should be in line with the above three factors. People are more fulfilled when their careers are meaningful, and offer them opportunities to utilise their skills and excel in their areas of expertise. If you feel your current job offers you none of these aspects, it is time to rethink if you are truly suitable for it. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big