6 Tips to Prevent Burnout

For optometrists running independent practices, it is easy for burnout to become a real thing. Burnout is more than a sign that you need a vacation, it’s your body’s response to constant stresses of work and home.

 
Starting a business can take a toll. Here are 6 tips to prevent burnout.
 


What is burnout and what causes it?

Merrian-Webster defines burnout as “Exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.”

Two common causes include:

  1. Lack of rest or rejuvenation/Overwork
  2. Lack of motivation or reward


Tips to prevent burnout:

  1. Hit the gym. In addition to helping keep your heart in check, a study released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that cardiovascular exercise increases well-being and decreases psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotion exhaustion.
  2. Stay hydrated. A majority of Americans live in a consistent state of dehydration. The effects of dehydration includes negatively impacting you body, emotions, and cognition.
  3. Get a good night’s sleep. The benefits of a good night’s rest bring a great number of health benefits. Not having enough sleep can make a person more prone to being less patient and more easily agitated. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  4. Set priorities. Make a list of the things you want to work on and rank these tasks by importance.  
  5. Cut back. Assess your commitments and cut back on ones that are draining.
  6. Take breaks. You’re busy, but taking a couple of 15 minute breaks throughout the day can help recharge you. Take a walk, grab a coffee, or watch a funny video.

Avoiding burnout makes taking preventative measures and setting actionable steps to hold yourself accountable.


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