Burnout – a term used to describe a state of physical, emotional, and/or mental exhaustion primarily due to prolonged stress. Causes can include over-working, taking on too many responsibilities, or significant life changes – such as grieving the loss of a loved one, or going through a divorce. It can also affect anyone who is experiencing physical or mental health challenges or is the caretaker for someone who is. Parenting in itself, or managing a household can also be incredibly overwhelming (especially if you are doing it solo) and can easily lead to burnout. Caring for elderly parents may be a contributing factor as well. The good news is the more aware you are of the warning signs of burnout, the higher the chances are to prevent it from occurring.
Ten tips and tools to create more balance and less burnout:
Prioritize your daily tasks – Focus on the responsibilities that require your highest level of attention above all else. The mental/physical well-being of yourself and loved ones, your career, education, finances, important scheduled activities/events, etc. Write down daily tasks in order of importance as needed, check them off as you go, and attend to lower priority ones as time permits.
Don’t overbook your schedule (or your child’s) – A calendar with zero breathing room can quickly lead to an overwhelmed and exhausted household. Weigh out the pros and cons of adding more activities into your days – as well as the costs associated with them before you commit. Include your child in the decision-making process before registering them in anything new – do they think they can handle another activity in their schedule? Consider registering them for shorter programs, or recreational leagues versus competitive leagues as they typically require less commitment, so you can get the best of both worlds. Constantly being over-stimulated can have negative effects on our minds and bodies, and can lead to extreme fatigue. Remember that it’s okay to simply just be bored sometimes or have quieter days.
Write down important reminders as soon as possible – If you have a hectic lifestyle, it’s super easy to forget things. Utilize physical/virtual calendars, notebooks/virtual note apps to jot things down as soon as they are booked. Avoid being late or missing important deadlines or events by using visual timers, or setting reminder alarms on your devices, which can also be customized with repeating schedules.
Outsource where you can – Trying to tackle everything on your own can quickly lead to a path to burnout. There are so many amazing services that exist that can take some of the pressure off maintaining a household, or reducing your workload if you own a business. Hiring cleaners/organizers, virtual assistants, mother’s helpers, lawncare/snow removal companies or ready-made meal/food delivery services can help free up more of your time, especially when you have extra stress in your life. You don’t need to break the bank either, even just utilizing these services occasionally can be incredibly helpful to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Set necessary boundaries & let go of guilt – Time is precious and you should never feel bad for being selective with it. Say no to more of the things (and people) that cause unnecessary stress in your life, and yes to more of the things that add value and bring you joy.
Live within your means – Financial stability can be a key factor in keeping stress levels to a minimum. Budgeting is an ideal way to curb overspending. Use credit cards as sparingly as possible and pay them off as quickly as you can to avoid high interest fees. Avoid impulse purchases and set intentional savings goals to help you stay on track.
Never be ashamed to talk to someone or ask for help – Untreated stress and burnout can lead to devastating effects on various aspects of your life. These can include negative impacts on your mental and physical health, friendships and relationships, work life, and more. If you are having more bad days than good, don’t feel like your usual self, are constantly anxious, extremely moody, unstable, or just simply feeling “not okay”, talking to someone you trust is a brave next step. Confide in a friend, partner, or family member for support if you are feeling isolated, or reach out to a professional – (mental health counsellor/family doctor/therapist). They can help you process what you are going through, provide valuable resources, or devise a treatment plan.
Get enough rest and stay hydrated and healthy – Drink your water, eat healthy and exercise. This may seem like obvious advice, but it truly is so important. Even a short walk can provide a much-needed mental reset, and adjusting your eating habits to include healthier options can help boost your energy levels and stabilize your mood. Quality sleep is also essential. Some of the top benefits include greater mental and emotional well-being – especially stress reduction, plus improved physical health and cognitive performance.
Focus on self-care – Don’t forget about you! You are important and life is meant to be enjoyed. Make sure to carve out some special time for your favorite hobbies, or anything that helps calm your body or mind – bubble baths, reading, tea, massages, yoga, swimming, journaling, going to the spa, spending time in nature, jogging, meditation/breathing exercises, going to a concert/play, crafting, etc.
Stay connected – Spend quality time with your family, plan a date night, entertain in your home, or make plans with friends. Pull out the board games and put the screens away, go to a comedy show with your partner and laugh until you cry, or meet up with your bestie for a coffee or walk. This is especially important for workaholics, or anyone who has trouble slowing down!
Remember these key takeaways. Early intervention and balance are key to living a low-stress lifestyle and avoiding burnout. There may be some things you have little to no control of in your life (mobility/health issues for example) but shifting your focus to what you can control will help make things run a little bit smoother. Reach out for extra help before life starts to unravel and remember that a less stressful household will positively impact all family members. Work together as a family and share responsibilities (have your kids contribute as well!) to keep your home running efficiently.
Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services in Calgary, Alberta. For more information, visit her Instagram page at – Light at The End of The Clutter or her website – lightattheendoftheclutter.com.
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