Preventing Burnout: 5 Warning Signs Every Virtual Assistant Should Know

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Working excessively long hours, neglecting personal life, and jeopardizing overall well-being are some of the main causes of burnout. While you are committed to your business and its success, it's not wise to focus all your attention on it. Instead, I encourage you to be intentional about carving out time for self-care and relaxation. They are critical to improving your physical and mental health.

Signs of Burnout

To prevent burnout, it's crucial to recognize the signs. Let’s talk about five warning signs to look out for.

1. Insomnia

Do you have difficulty shutting off your thoughts at night?  

Is a full night’s rest a foreign concept for you?

If you answered yes to either question, then you’re most likely experiencing burnout.

Your body can shut down because you’re consumed with work and your sleep pattern is thrown off. This results in you lacking energy and possibly the mental energy to make solid decisions.

2. Procrastination

Do you feel stressed by the length of your to-do list?

Do you sometimes leave tasks unattended for long periods?

“Procrastination is the thief of time”; it leads to missed deadlines and opportunities to promote your business.

3. Fatigue

Our bodies are only capable of handling so much stress on limited sleep.

When you overwork yourself and don’t give your body and brain enough time to recover before another high-stress day, you will experience severe fatigue.  

The domino effect may be illness which will affect your ability to function at work.

4. Changes in appetite

Does stress cause you to overeat?

Do you lose your appetite when you’re under stress?

The reality is that neither situation is good for your body. For mental clarity, try to step away from your desk for lunch breaks. Choose natural, healthier food choices instead of junk food.

You could also schedule breaks and have healthy snacks such as fruit, trail mix, or a slice of whole-grain bread with peanut butter.

5. Anxiety 

Another sign of burnout is anxiety. I’m referring to anxiety brought on by stress which tends to cripple you with fear or other physical symptoms. 

How to Avoid Burnout

Prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Take care of your whole body, mind, and spirit by doing the following:

• Take quiet time to relax.
• Get outdoors and breathe in some fresh air.
• Take breaks away from work.
• Choose healthy food options.
• Get regular exercise.
• Start a hobby.
• Unplug for a whole weekend and live in the moment with family and friends.

Final Thoughts 

If you are not physically able to run your business, what will happen? You’d probably have to close your doors resulting in a loss of income. So, take the necessary steps to take care of you. Strive for work-life harmony that brings happiness to both you and your family. Remember, the choices are limitless, and taking care of yourself will only help you and your business in the long run.

For more tips and support, check out our Love Your Business Self Bundle.