Feel-Good Productivity

Restore meaning and enjoyment in work

Instructions

Assess why you might feel burnout.
Begin by identifying the reasons behind your feelings of burnout. Reflect on changes in your attitude towards work, any recent increase in stress levels, or dissatisfaction with your job role. Consider keeping a journal for a week to track moments when you feel most drained or disengaged. This can help pinpoint specific triggers or patterns contributing to your burnout.
Prioritize and limit your workload to avoid overexertion.
Analyze your current workload and honestly assess what is manageable. Begin by saying no to lower-priority tasks or delegate them if possible. Focus on essential tasks that align with your major goals. This step aims to prevent the common burnout type stemming from taking on too much, thereby reducing unnecessary stress.
Schedule regular, meaningful breaks to prevent depletion burnout.
Integrate deliberate breaks into your daily schedule that truly rejuvenate your mind and body. Choose activities for your breaks that refresh you, like a short walk, meditation, or engaging in creative activities. It should be something that provides genuine relaxation and recovery to you. If you engage in activities like binge-watching or scrolling through social media, make sure to limit it so it won’t turn into another form of stress. Also, do it guilt-free.
Give yourself permission to completely write off a day if needed.
This means intentionally deciding not to engage in any productive activities and allowing yourself to just be. This can be particularly helpful after exceptionally draining days and can prevent long-term burnout by providing necessary breaks.
Identify your core motivations for challenging tasks.
Reflect on why you undertake difficult activities. Are your motivations intrinsic, such as finding joy in the activity itself, or extrinsic, such as seeking rewards or recognition? Understanding these motivations can help sustain your drive during tough times. For instance, if you are preparing for a marathon, determine whether your motivation is the love of running or the achievement of completing the race. This clarity can fuel your persistence.
Set specific goals that align with your identified motivations.
Create goals that not only seek external rewards but also align with your personal values and passions. This alignment enhances both your performance and your satisfaction with the work you do. For example, if advancing in your career is a goal, select opportunities that offer not just financial benefits but also contribute to your personal development and allow you to make a meaningful impact.