I was recently asked to write a post for my companies blog, on the risks of "burning out" during such a busy time of year. Although this was marketed at the hospitality industry, the majority of these tips and tricks will also apply to any of you that have a full time job, and in particular ones that require you to sit at a desk.
Enjoy!
According to a Permanent Life Situation Survey, the hospitality industry has one of the highest burnout rates as a result of stress. During the busy festive season, there's a higher demand on employees which is often compounded by the expectation to work more shifts and potentially longer hours. When stress is sustained for too long, it can result in headaches, low morale, lack of motivation and a decrease in work productivity and accuracy. Prolonged periods of stress that aren't dealt with may also result in depression, heart disease and ulcers.
As we say goodbye to another busy year and begin the preparations to welcome in a new one, it's important that as an industry we are aware of the tools that we can use to make the work/life balance adjustment a little easier. Here are five top tips for bypassing busy season burnout.
1. Make the most of your lunch break
If you can't step away during lunch, try to make it a habit not to check emails during the time that you are eating. Take a break and immerse yourself with your social media world, or listen to some music as you eat. Studies have shown that people that listen to music daily have an increase in morale purely by listening to what makes them happy/want to dance/strut around the office.
If you can't step away during lunch, try to make it a habit not to check emails during the time that you are eating. Take a break and immerse yourself with your social media world, or listen to some music as you eat. Studies have shown that people that listen to music daily have an increase in morale purely by listening to what makes them happy/want to dance/strut around the office.
2. Build exercise into your day
Exercising is a great way to burn off some steam and help reduce stress levels. Even a quick 10 minute walk away from the desk has been proven to clear your head and improve your mood. Why go alone? Bring a colleague with you and hit the pavement together.
Exercising is a great way to burn off some steam and help reduce stress levels. Even a quick 10 minute walk away from the desk has been proven to clear your head and improve your mood. Why go alone? Bring a colleague with you and hit the pavement together.
3. Plan a healthy diet and stick to it
Healthy eating and exercise go hand in hand. Always start your day with a high in protein breakfast (think oats, omelettes, protein smoothies) to get you through the morning, and start the habit of keeping a water bottle by your area to stay hydrated and alert. Use that bathroom visit as a worthwhile excuse to stretch your legs. Feel like that soft drink but know you don't really need it? Start a collection jar and put the money in the jar instead of buying that soft drink. Count your cash at the end of the month and treat yourself with a non-food reward!
Healthy eating and exercise go hand in hand. Always start your day with a high in protein breakfast (think oats, omelettes, protein smoothies) to get you through the morning, and start the habit of keeping a water bottle by your area to stay hydrated and alert. Use that bathroom visit as a worthwhile excuse to stretch your legs. Feel like that soft drink but know you don't really need it? Start a collection jar and put the money in the jar instead of buying that soft drink. Count your cash at the end of the month and treat yourself with a non-food reward!
4. Focus on the positives during your work day
Building rituals into your day is extremely important; taking little steps every day towards being fitter, healthier, more positive and a successful version of who you were the day before. Make a list of a few things that made your day amazing. Those moments when you're feeling stressed or down, re-read your list for a pick me up and remind yourself of the power of positivity. As you continue to practise and participate in your rituals, your attitude gradually shifts and your rituals become habits and you will begin to see the rewards and positive change that they bring.
Building rituals into your day is extremely important; taking little steps every day towards being fitter, healthier, more positive and a successful version of who you were the day before. Make a list of a few things that made your day amazing. Those moments when you're feeling stressed or down, re-read your list for a pick me up and remind yourself of the power of positivity. As you continue to practise and participate in your rituals, your attitude gradually shifts and your rituals become habits and you will begin to see the rewards and positive change that they bring.
5. Set achievable goals for the new year
Heading into a new year, the predictable question "What's your New Year’s resolution?" starts popping up. I prefer to think of this as a bucket list instead, and rather than coming up with one resolution that probably doesn't sound very appealing come February, a bucket list of points is easier to stick to and enjoy. Write it down somewhere you will see it - at your desk, on the fridge, on your bedroom wall - and fill in what your bucket list for next year will involve with the hints below:
In 2014 I will...
Heading into a new year, the predictable question "What's your New Year’s resolution?" starts popping up. I prefer to think of this as a bucket list instead, and rather than coming up with one resolution that probably doesn't sound very appealing come February, a bucket list of points is easier to stick to and enjoy. Write it down somewhere you will see it - at your desk, on the fridge, on your bedroom wall - and fill in what your bucket list for next year will involve with the hints below:
In 2014 I will...
Learn, Grow, Make, Plan, Stop, Start
Words: My Own
No comments:
Post a Comment
I would love to know your thoughts!