The top 4 behaviours that lead to burnout

In our modern world, with society’s focus on success and constant pursuit of self-improvement, it has become the norm for working women trying to do it all to reach a state of burnout. Our fast-paced culture means that being busy is often glorified, but when we reach a state of burnout, this “hustle culture” can mean that we face harm both physically and mentally. Recently, at one of our interstate wine bar conversations, we discussed specific behaviours that we try to avoid (or that we have done in the past to no avail!) in order to protect ourselves from burnout. We have listed our top four big no-no’s in terms of behaviour that we avoid, in order to enable us to live a more balanced life.

1. Neglecting Self-Care

One of the most significant contributors to burnout is neglecting self-care. We often prioritise work, family, and other commitments over our own well-being, believing that we'll be more productive by doing so. However, without self-care, our energy levels deplete, stress accumulates, and our passion for our everyday dwindles.

To avoid this, prioritise self-care as an essential part of your routine. Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Engage in regular exercise, practice mindfulness, indulge in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and ensure you get enough sleep. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you're setting the foundation for a more productive and fulfilling life. We have a blog post on our favourite ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday routine [here].

2. Saying 'Yes' to Everything

Saying 'yes' to every opportunity and commitment that comes your way might seem like the path to success, but it can lead to being so overstretched that you are easily prone to burnout. Overcommitting spreads your focus thin and leaves little room for meaningful engagement in any particular area. It's essential to understand that you can't do it all, and that's perfectly okay.

Learn to say 'no' when you're at capacity and focus on the most important tasks and goals. Assess your priorities, set realistic boundaries, and communicate openly with others about your limitations. By doing so, you'll create space for quality work, better relationships, and a healthier work-life balance. You’ll be able to put more of ‘you’ in the things you decide to commit to, rather than doing it ‘all’ half-heartedly.

3. Ignoring Warning Signs

Burnout doesn't happen overnight; it's a gradual process with several warning signs along the way. Ignoring these signs only exacerbates the situation and can lead to more severe consequences in the long run. Common symptoms of burnout include chronic fatigue, irritability, decreased productivity, and a feeling of detachment from your passions.

To avoid reaching this point, practice self-awareness and actively listen to your body and mind. Regularly assess how you're feeling and recognise any signs of burnout. If you identify these warning signs, take immediate action to address them. This might involve seeking support from loved ones or professional counsellors, adjusting your workload, or taking time off to recharge. Choosing to ignore such symptoms doesn't mean they will ‘just go away’, they are worthy of your time and energy, and focusing on them will ensure you recover faster and hopefully adopt some sustainable strategies to prevent a recurrence of the same.

4. Constantly Striving for Perfection

While aiming for excellence is admirable, striving for perfection can be detrimental to your well-being. The pursuit of perfection can create immense pressure and self-criticism, leaving you feeling like you're never good enough. This constant struggle to meet unrealistic standards can lead to burnout and less enthusiasm for your passions and day-to-day.

Instead of perfection, embrace progress. Set achievable goals and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. Understand that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of growth and learning. By accepting imperfections and being kinder to yourself, you'll foster a more positive and resilient mindset.

Ultimately, there is no doubt burnout is a real and pressing issue in our fast-paced world, but it’s not an inevitable fate. By shifting your behaviours to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, pay attention to warning signs, and embrace progress over perfection you will likely find that your life is inherently more balanced and you become less susceptible to burnout.