When work takes over your life: 5 steps to take it back

Hi there, dear reader! I wrote this article because I was feeling burned out and wanted to find a way to escape. As you continue reading, I'll explain how it began and how you can avoid burnout by taking care of yourself.

It happens gradually. At first, you think that it's okay to do one extra task after work. Then you don't notice how you start to overdo your job. Finally, you realize that your job requirements have consumed all your personal space. 

And eventually you meet it—burnout, which feels like mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. 

Burnout drains your energy and slows down your productivity: what used to be easy now takes more and more time and effort. 

The truth is, burnout isn’t just about your job and daily tasks. Your routine and habits play a role too. In fact, the way you spend your leisure time and care for yourself can weigh just as much as the pressures of work.

The worst thing is that the finish line is never clear. Good news—you can improve your mental condition and support yourself following these 5 simple pieces of advice.

1. Admit the problem

Accepting the fact that something is going wrong is the first step to recovery. If it's possible, take some time for a rest, analyzing the situation and creating further plans.

2. Put your health first

Prioritize rest, choose nourishing meals, move your body—anything that brings you back into balance. As an option, you may think about what makes you happy, what activity could bring you joy.

3. Let others be part of your life

Going through burnout means dealing with stress. In this case, our next recommendation is socializing. Connecting with people is a natural remedy for stress, and having a face-to-face talk with someone who truly listens can quickly soothe your nervous system and ease tension. 

4. Rethink all possibilities

Your job is what you do, not who you are. Perhaps, it's high time you changed something. Start with reflection, what went wrong when you began to accumulate burnout symptoms. 

Was it a problem with outside factors or with your workplace? Try to remember what tasks could bring your joy back. Sometimes we spend a lot of hours working on projects, trying to do our best and achieve KPI, and absolutely forget about our role and personal achievements. 

5. Nourish your creative side

When you don't spend all your time at work, occasionally you find a space for your favorite activities. And it becomes a strong reminder that life consists of many wonderful facets. Besides, it's much nicer to work when you are full of energy. In this case, the ideas seem more creative, and you have inspiration and motivation to create a powerful and impactful project.

Conclusion

Burnout rarely comes all at once — it shows up in little signals like irritability, broken sleep, or a routine that feels out of control. That’s why it’s important to notice these signs early and take a step back. To take care of yourself, you must follow a work-life balance, track your working time and not allow your job to consume all your free time. 

Try to find time for walking, healthy food and unwinding your brain.

When you surround yourself with individuals who motivate you, hobbies, and small pleasures, life becomes more enjoyable. These things help you remember that you're more than your job, and that your worth goes far beyond your to-do list. 

It goes without saying that my advice is based on my own experience, and I have shared with you the tips that have helped me. At the same time, I sincerely hope that you will start to carry yourself a little better and implement at least one or two of the suggestions in the near future.