No one is setting resolutions any more. Its all about lists of things that are "out" and lists of things that are "in." As you prepare your list or think through goals for 2025 consider adding this small habit that can help you prevent burnout. Add more laughter.
In my quest to avoid burnout by setting and keeping boundaries, I found that laughter had completely disappeared from my life.
❌If i tripped over my own foot (while walking) I didn't chuckle, I was annoyed. I didn't have time to stumble, I had places to go.
❌If my manager extended my deadline I wasn't relieved, I was irritated. I needed to cross this off my to do list. Leaving it on my to do list a few hours longer was agony.
❌If a friend called me instead of texting while I was in deep work mode, I rolled my eyes. Just leave me a note, I'll respond when I can.
Basically, I was taking myself and things around me too seriously. In fact, my friends referred to me, jokingly, as the fun police. Initially it was funny but when that label was given to me from people in completely different pockets of my life, it gave me pause. Maybe it isn't a good thing to be labelled the fun police. Are you like me, you take things too seriously? You are so laser focused on getting things done, you don't allow time for delays or changes?
In 2025, to help myself steer clear of burnout and enable myself to unwind, I will try adding humor to my day. This way when I trip while walking a little chuckle will remind me to slow my pace and find humor in my clumsiness.
What small change can you make to help you steer clear of burnout? As we step into the new year, many of us are eager to set resolutions and embark on fresh beginnings. This is great, but an often neglected area is small ways to prevent burnout. Let’s be honest, if we don’t take small steps to step out of burnout we will be stuck walking in circles.
Here are some small habits to consider, as we start a new year.
✔️Remember to take breaks.
If you don’t, you’ll start to feel like a computer that’s been running too long—overheated, slow, and possibly starting to make weird noises.
✔️Hydrate!
Water is essential. Many are trying Dry January and avoiding alcoholic drinks during the month. Instead of reaching for a mocktail, be creative and try water or water with ice. Water is a good way to fuel your mind and body.
✔️Laugh!
Life happens. People are imperfect, If you’re not laughing at something weekly find a way to laugh at yourself; its much better than crying.
Small habits have a huge impact and one I'm prioritizing this year that will keep me on my anti-burnout journey is Laughing more. What's yours?
