With the end of the year, project deadlines, and the holidays approaching, it would be an understatement to say that life gets hectic. Although this time of the year can bring plenty of quality time and cheer, it can also throw off your work-life balance. This can lead to burnout, negatively affecting both your personal and professional life.
What is burnout? According to Psychology Today, burnout is a state of chronic stress that can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion; cynicism and detachment; and feelings of ineffectiveness. This is a result of stress and pressures building in one’s personal and professional life, and it often leads to a disastrous state of mind where one may find it difficult to bounce back. The annual turnover for salespeople is 20% and although burnout is often dismissed as a “part of the job,” this doesn’t have to be the case.
Burnout doesn’t happen suddenly. It slowly creeps into life as a result of repeated neglect to oneself. The good news? Burnout can be spotted and prevented with minimal time and a little effort before it’s too late.
Signs of Burnout
- Chronic fatigue
- Forgetfulness or impaired concentration and attention
- Anger / increased irritability
- Detachment from family, friends, and favorite activities
What you can do about it
- Conduct a daily, mental check-in: This seems so simple but is often overlooked. Checking in on oneself daily, weekly, and monthly ensures that you have a pulse on your own well-being. This prevents falling too deep into the burnout trap.
- Make time for things you love: Although work is important, so is having a life outside of the office. Taking time to do things for yourself. This helps reset your mind and helps you ready to perform your best at work.
- Look for a mentor: Sales can be an isolating profession that is hard for non-sales people to understand. Finding yourself a mentor not only helps to improve your performance, it also gives you someone to share your frustrations with and bounce ideas off of. This wards off feelings of isolation.
- Take care of your body: This includes drinking enough water, sleeping a proper amount of time, and consistent exercise. Taking care of your body ensures that your whole being is ready for whatever life throws at you, even during the holiday season.
- Keep it simple: Trying to do too much at once will only leave you with many things that are half done. Prioritize your day by making to-do list. This helps you get the most important items done without getting overwhelmed or not giving your best effort.
- Maintain Perspective: No matter the holiday, it’s a brief period in the year. Although shopping for gifts, attending family gatherings, AND working can be a lot all at once, know that soon it will all be over and life will be back to normal.
In the business world, burnout can sometimes seem unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be! Take time for your body and mind while also making sure that your priorities are in order can help keep burnout at bay. Happy Holidays!
