-Stress?-

Ever get this hopeless feeling? It may be burnout. Burnout is a state of severe exhaustion. This exhaustion is brought about from prolonged mental, physical, and emotional stress. Here are a few tips to avoiding that oncoming burnout.

First,

LEARN TO RELY ON OTHERS.

One symptom of burnout is the belief that no one can do the job except you. Learn to trust people around you. After all a team can't be carried by one person. Delegate the work accordingly.

Second,

JUST SAY "NO"!

There is only so many task you can complete within a given time. You're going to have to say "No" to some people/tasks. Don't feel bad about saying "No". Think to yourself instead: Isn't it better to do a good job with a few obligations rather than disappoint everyone with many obligations?

Third,

LIGHTEN YOUR WORKLOAD.

Take an honest look at your daily schedule. Remove simple tasks with people in mind. Example: Delegating a few simple chores to either your kids, neighbors, or friends. You just might be pleasantly surprised how well others can get the job done.

Fourth,

LESS TECHNOLOGY IS SOMETIMES BETTER.

In this era where technology is almost as mandatory as the air we breathe, holding your breathe may be just the thing. Try to set time in which you shut down all your gadgets. Yes, that means everything from cell phones, laptops, PDAs, etc. A few minutes should be sufficient.

Fifth,

SET YOUR SCHEDULE.

Make sure to set your schedule so that it's work work work on the weekdays and fun fun fun on the weekends. Those two days of rest and relaxation may be just what the doctor ordered.

Sixth,

TAKE VACATIONS/STAYCATIONS

For those with full time positions: Vacation time was meant to prevent burnout. So be sure to use that time. Even workaholics should follow this advice(once in a while).

After sixth,

EXERCISE, SLEEP, AND DIET.

Make sure to incorporate a proper diet(as often as possible) with an adequate amount of exercise and sleep. Sleep keeps you functional throughout each day; exercise will increase your blood flow and keep you alert; diet is the last key to the puzzle in making your body more effective.

Then after sixth,

YOU" TIME.

Last but not least. This is the time in the day that is just your own. Take this time to do something for yourself, such as exercising, relaxing, reading an exciting novel, listening to music, etc.

Enjoy your weekend!