HOW TO DEAL WITH BURNOUT

1. EVALUATE YOUR PRIORITIES.

What is most important to you? Many people would likely put family relationships and good health near the top of their list. These are things that are likely  to suffer if you are burned out.

By clarifying your priorities, you prepare yourself to make difficult decisions and accept trade-offs. For example, you may see that your work is leading to burnout. Yet you may reason, 'I cannot change jobs or work less; I need the income!'  True, everyone needs income, but how much and at what cost to the things  you value most?

Beware of pressure to adopt the priorities of others around you as your own.  Your employer's priorities and yours are likely different. Others may choose to put work first in their life, but this does not mean that you must do the same.  

2. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE.

To reduce stress and gain time for what you truly value, you may consider working fewer hours, you may be able to persuade your employer to reduce your current job demands, or you may determine that you need to change jobs. Whatever you decide to do, you will likely need to adjust  your financial situation and make changes in your lifestyle. But this is not impossible and may not be as hard as you might think.

In many lands, a consumer-oriented society send the message that happiness is linked to income level  and possessions. But in reality it is not. A simpler lifestyle can bring greater freedom and satisfaction.  To prepare for such a change, reduce expenses and save money .  Try to lower or estimate debt. Discuss the need for change with your family members, and seek their support.  BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "EVEN WHEN A PERSON HAS AN ABUNDANCE, HIS LIFE DOES NOT RESULT FROM THINGS HE POSSESSES." - LUKE 12:15.  "HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WE WILL BE CONTENT WITH THESE THINGS." -1 TIMOTHY 6:8. 

Next time: HOW TO DEAL WITH BURNOUT/ 3. LEARN WHEN TO SAY NO TO WORK.

From the jw.org publications