How to reduce stress and prevent burnout through self-care?

We all know that the hybrid workplace can be a stressful environment. Whether it’s juggling deadlines, managing a team, or trying to cope with the communications challange, stress and long term even burnout is a real concern. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips to reduce stress and prevent burnout in the hybrid workplace:

1. Take a break. Or more. I went to one extreme with a year long camping trip in the wilderness of Alaska and Canada in a travel trailer. Taking even a shorter break from the workplace can help you to reset and refuel. Whether it’s a weekend away or a full vacation, taking time away from your work environment can help you to relax and refocus. It is also important to take breaks within the day. The pomodoro technique or just having a 10 minute walk every two hours can help your concentration. It can be hard in a hybrid work environment not to look at your phone or laptop at weekends but you have to find your way to create boundaries and to set aside time to relax and recharge!

2. Prioritize your tasks. To keep stress levels low and prevent burnout, it’s important to prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important. Think of it like packing for a camping trip – sort through your tasks and pick out the most important items that you need to bring. Especially in a hybrid work environment it is important to start your day with the most important tasks. It is also imperative that you reduce the distractions of notifications, incoming email and other noise when doing concentrated work. Block some time in your calendar for concentrated and focused work to complete the most important ones first!

3. Make time for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to make time for yourself. Just like when you’re camping, it’s important to take time to relax and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can. Make sure to take time out of your day to do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or meditating. Even just 1% of your time daily (it is less than 30 minutes!) spent on your own wellbeing will have a big positive impact on your motivation!

4. Delegate when you can. It’s important to know when to delegate tasks to others. Just like when you’re camping, it’s important to know when to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. 

5. Get enough sleep. Even when you’re camping, it’s important to get enough rest so you can enjoy your trip. The same is true in the workplace. Make sure to get enough sleep so you can stay focused and productive. Good quality sleep is the number one contributor to wellbeing and high energy during the day! Leave your phone out of the bedroom, stop staring at blue screen at least 1-2 hours before bedtime and avoid eating and drinking a few hours even earlier. Cooler temperatures and a dark environment also helps improving your sleep.

By following these tips, you can reduce stress and prevent burnout in the workplace. Taking time away, prioritizing tasks, making time for yourself, delegating when you can, and getting enough sleep are all important steps to help you stay healthy and productive.