Coping Strategies

Create a plan to nurse yourself back to health. The following lists contain steps you can take to get rest and relief from constant stress that results in burnout.

At work:

 Take it slower, take breaks from work. Leave work a little earlier.  Don't strive for perfection, but for "good enough."  Use support services effectively and delegate when possible.  Try to keep to a regular schedule, and don't be constantly available to clients.  Don't take work home with you.  Reduce your commuting time and leave driving to others by taking public transportation when possible. This also has positive affect of reducing air pollution.  Take regular vacations from work. Long weekends once a quarter are good ways to avoid burnout without taking off long stretches of time. Don't take work with you or check voice mail messages or e-mail when you are away.  If you are unhappy with your job, determine what changes are needed and develop an action plan.  Eat healthy - 3 small meals every day, including fruits and vegetables.  Exercise regularly- aerobic exercise is a great stress release.  Connect with nature daily- take a walk; eat your lunch outside in nice weather.

At home:

 Try to get 8 hours of sleep a night. We are a sleep-deprived society and this lack of sleep contributes to accidents, low productivity and mistakes.  Get help with chores. Hire a housekeeper and someone to do yard work.  Don't be a perfectionist who strives for Martha Stewart/Better Homes and Gardens look. You don't have to be a gourmet cook and live in a designer showplace to be happy.  Organize your household so burdens are spread around.  Get help with childcare.  Practice simple living techniques.  Live under your means.  Pay off your debt.  Reduce your tendency toward consumerism. Buy only what your need or cannot live without. This will reduce trips to store and save you money.  Meditate  Practice yoga or other relaxation techniques.  Listen to relaxation tapes.  Play with your children and pets. They tend to center us and get us in touch with what's important in life.  Keep a journal  Listen to music  Massages are also great ways to relax.  Take Hot Baths

Debbie Brown is a career consultant and executive coach who works primarily with professionals, attorneys and entrpreneurs.

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