Can Effective Time Management be the Key to Preventing Burnout?

It sounds obvious, but time management, when used correctly, can be the key to preventing burnout. We’ve talked about how yoga can help fight the effects of burnout. Today, we’re going to analyze the essence of burnout – having too much to do in so very little time. Based on this, can mastering the art of time management be the key to preventing burnout? We shall see.

Decoding Burnout

To even start talking about burnout, we must talk about its definition. Recently, The World Health Organization updated its definition to refer to burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

Who is feeling the burn, though? A recent Gallup study discovered that 23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work almost always, while 44% felt the symptoms sometimes. Why does this matter? Well, let’s look at some numbers:

• 63% of burnout employees are more likely to take a sick day
• 23% are more likely to visit the emergency room
• 13% feel less confident in their performance

Not to mention, they are also 2.6 times more likely to leave their current employer. This is without taking into consideration the emotional and physical challenges associated with being burned out.

If you’re unsure about where you stand in the burnout spectrum, take this quiz to see if your symptoms are burnout.

Analyzing Time Management

Next, we move into time management. Most people believe time management is meant to help us achieve more in less time. While that’s true to an extent, the key lies in using time management to organize ourselves in a way that doesn’t push our limits too far.

We’re all well aware of the downside of having poor time management, and we certainly do our best to stay organized:

• The average person uses 23 methods to control and manage their time
• 70% of businesses and professional people use a to-do list
• 53% of college students struggle with time management

Again, instead of visualizing time management as a tool to fit more impossible tasks into our already packed schedule. Think of it as a tool to organize yourself in a realistic way that allows you to find a balance that works for you.

Unlocking the Key to Preventing Burnout

Smart time management allows you to do something in a shorter period, which leads to more free time, hopefully reducing your stress levels. Here are some ways to unlock the power of time management to prevent burnout.

Stop multitasking – working on a task-by-task basis is more efficient

Use a planner – find a planner (digital or print) that helps you break down your day including your personal life into time slots

Learn to delegate – at work and at home. Be willing to raise the white flag whenever you need help to manage your responsibilities

Say “no” – sometimes. You must let it go. Say no to things that stretch you a bit too far, or things you’re aware are not your strongest suit

Have a routine – create a daily routine to make new habits that eventually can become automatic

A Word from GR8NESS

You don’t have to master time management overnight. Most likely, you won’t be able to do so. Remember that being organized takes time and effort, not to mention, a lot of trial and error. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like your efforts lead nowhere. Sooner than later, your hard work will pay off. In the meantime, keep coming back for more time management advice.