It’s Saturday afternoon. I’m sitting at my computer combing through my feedreader, Tweeting and skimming through sample site designs for ideas on our Support Forum at Diverse Solutions, Inc. Today was a bit of a cleaning day around the house but I also spent a lot of my time on the computer. Reading, thinking, learning basic CSS and coming up with post ideas.
This is good of course. But it’s also bad.
See, when your job involves working in front of the computer all day (especially when you’re a freelancer), it’s easy to get caught up in your work for more than a standard work-day. This can quickly lead to burn-out. [Noupe.com] writes about avoiding freelancer burnout by learning to limit work hours on a daily basis. Whether you’re a freelancer or work a standard 9 to 5, I think that this is something a lot of us need can practice more.
A Few Simple Ways to Avoid Burnout:
- Limit your work hours on a daily basis,
- Take a full day off (unplug and disconnect from everything; yes, even Twitter),
- Get outdoors for some sun and fresh air,
- Pick up a hobby (something that you can do on your own time when you’re not working),
- Get some exercise (add it to your weekly routine, you’ll feel healthier and more energized),
- Know that it’s OK to take a day off (or two or three),
- Set standard work hours not just mentally for yourself, but to set an expectation with clients that these are the hours you’re available,
It’s nice to disconnect sometimes. It helps us recharge and refresh. I’ve done quite a bit of that over the last few days this Thanksgiving break. I’ve spent time with my family and have had some good time to myself. I feel better. I feel recharged. And I still have a full day to myself tomorrow though I’ll probably be back on my computer working on a few things by then…
How do you recharge? Do you find yourself working in front of the computer most of the day? How do you balance work/life?
PHOTO CREDIT: Eneas
This is so good Ricardo! It really resonates with me because I spent Thanksgiving week offline too and have felt much better because of it!
And you know, in a way I feel sorry for people who make a living hanging out on their computers all day. That's why I'm trying to land a job at Apple. Consequently, if I get hired I may not be online as much. Good or bad? Both maybe. I dunno…
Martyn: it's nice to take a break and disconnect every once in a while. When you work in front of your computer, it's easy to get caught up with things and forget to take a breather.
Good luck on the job!
Ricardo – You are so right! It is important to get away from the computer, it is good for our brains, our eye site and body shape, as well. 😉 I implemented yoga into my daily routine which has brought a new level of creativity back into my thought process. It also gives me a deadline to make sure everything is wrapped up and done by the time I get to yoga which has helped me become more productive than ever. Also, taking at least one whole day off once a week is good for the spirit, especially if you can be with people who you care about and enjoy their company!
Amy: it's TOTALLY good for our eye-site, brains and our body. In fact, I need to step away and make daily exercise part of my routine. I've cut back more than I'd like to. It sounds like Yoga is your hobby/exercise of choice and if it's adding to your creativity, that's perfect! It's doing just what it's supposed to. I love that it's also made you more productive. It adds a sense of structure you know and when you're “self-employed” that can be difficult.
Thanks for the comment Amy. Miss seeing you!
Great round up of ideas on NOT burning out. Love it!
I hope to see you at CES, Ricardo.
Hey Dave, good to see you stop by. Definitely hoping to make it out to CES!
See you there buddy!
Thanks for the tips. Sometimes I try to cram too much in one day.
Every now and then, it's great to disconnect and recharge!