Strategies to avoid burnout
With only a few weeks left of this year, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or tired as we race towards the end of the year and try to finish current projects and reach targets. But it’s important to remember that overwork is often the antithesis of productivity. If we don’t take good care of ourselves and our teams, we can easily end up burning out, so how do we prioritise well-being and balanced workloads to prevent fatigue and ensure we remain productive and engaged.
As Malissa Clark, a professor of industrial and organisational psychology at the University of Georgia, says in “You would think if someone’s spending all this time at work, that they would be a better performer. But we actually didn’t find that in our study. We even found higher rates of counterproductive work, which is certainly not good for the organisation.”
This article considers how we can overcome overwork and foster a culture that doesn’t rely on busy work, but recognises that consistency is key to achieve the best results. These five out of ten strategies may be helpful in preventing burnout before the end of the year. Every person is different, so experiment with what works best for you:
- Prioritize Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep and take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge. Rest is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and physical health.
- Move Your Body: Regular physical activity is essential. It doesn’t need to be strenuous; even light exercise like walking can help reduce stress and enhance your mood.
- Explore New Hobbies and Habits: Engaging in hobbies and developing new habits can be a great way to relieve stress and bring joy. Whether it's gardening, painting, or learning a new skill, find activities that make you feel good.
- Manage Stress: Implement stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help you stay calm and focused, even during busy times.
- Give Yourself Grace: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your efforts. Understand that it's okay not to be perfect and to have days where you're not at your best.
While these strategies are part of a longer-term project, now is the perfect time to begin implementing some of them, so that when 2025 comes along, we start the year happy, motivated and proactive.
As we near the end of 2024, it’s helpful to prioritise balance and well-being over the pressure to simply ‘do more’. We invite you to explore Kyocera's philosophy to learn more about how we’re committed to creating a balanced, thriving workplace. Let’s make this final stretch of the year a time to refocus on meaningful work, well-being, and a culture that truly supports our people.
Jimmy de Waal - Sales and Marketing Director - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
