Protect from Burnout
At some point, most high achievers experience the chronic stress and anxiety commonly known as burnout: taking on too many tasks leads to a state of permanent exhaustion and fatigue, along with a sharp decline in motivation and personal fulfilment. This doesn’t just lead to mental health problems (such as depression and anxiety disorders); elevated cortisol levels for a prolonged period of time can destroy your immune system and negatively affect the functioning of your prefrontal cortex, i.e. your brains decision making centre.
Don’t let all your hard work be undone by burnout! Learn to spot the signs: insomnia, irritability, uncharacteristic detachment and cynicism, increased illness, loss of appetite, and a decline in performance can be indications that it’s time to slow down.
Help yourself avoid this problem altogether by respecting your own limitations: don’t take on more than you can handle and end up overwhelmed! Commit to less, and deliver more than you’ve committed too. Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, some exercise, and are eating healthy, nourishing food so that your mind and body are always performing at their peak!