Do you sometimes feel like you are balancing more responsibilities or rarely have to time to catch your breath? If you are not intentional about giving yourself a break, an overloaded schedule and an overdrive mode of operation can leave you feeling burned out. In this economy, it’s important to note that extended periods of financial stress can leave you feeling burned out.

Here are a few of the signs that it's time to do something different:
•Exhaustion and fatigue
•Loss of motivation - You don't feel like doing things you usually love to do
•Feeling that too much is expected of you
•Irritability and mood swings
•Inability to concentrate on work
•Feeling resentful of your work
•You haven't had a vacation in over a year


Consider these strategies this week to regain your strength and motivation so that you can be resilient in the face of your challenges:

1. Take a break.
Whether it’s a couple of ten minute breaks during the day or it’s time for some time off, be sure to schedule breaks.  It will make you more productive, focused and effective at work.

2. Celebrate your milestones.
If you are driven and focused, you likely accomplish a great deal on a regular basis. This is terrific. However, if you do not take time to celebrate the milestones on your journey, your spirit can become worn out by the constant drive with no reward. Celebrate your progress often. You may not have reached the big goal, but taking consistent steps forward is something worth celebrating!

3. Slow down.
In our fast-paced, high-tech world, it seems we move at a faster and faster pace. Keeping up can leave you burned out. It's like taking your car to 100 miles per hour indefinitely. It wouldn't be good for your car - and it isn't good for you. Everything in life is not an emergency. So don't treat the things that can wait as though they are just as important as the things that really can't.

4. Look on the bright side.
A positive attitude energizes you.  Although you may be dealing with some challenges, choose something to be grateful for.  If you’re swamped at work, be thankful for your job.  If you’re discouraged about trying to find a new job, find something in your situation for which you are grateful – whether it is a relationship or resources or the unknown opportunities that surely lie ahead.

Coach yourself:

In what way are you feeling overloaded or burned out right now? What could alleviate that feeling and leave you feel refreshed?

Valorie Burton is the author of several books, including How Did I Get So Busy? and What’s Really Holding You Back?.  A Professional Certified Coach, she has coached entrepreneurs and professionals in 40 states and seven countries.  Subscribe to her free weekly e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.

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