10 ways to cope with Zoom burnout
Your home is probably your office, and in the western world, that is a no-no. In Japan, work is hectic, and people work very long hours. You may have heard the term “salaryman,” which is an actual career there. This person lives for their job is dedicated, and works a crazy number of hours… They usually will end up experiencing karōshi, a Japanese word for “death from overwork.” While many love their jobs and can even work over hours in the western world, our work is separated (even if we only sleep 4 hrs a night). In this world, we can not sleep or nap at our jobs, and our culture is, in general, different. However, during the pandemic, many people feel like they could experience karōshi because their jobs that were once 9-5 are now 24 hours. Work emails come in whenever, and the phone rings forever, meetings surpass 5 pm, lunch is non-existent, sleep is a nonfactor, oh and did we forget the struggle of not having enough money coupled with the stress you may lose your job if this sounds like you here are 10 tips to avoid karōshi or restricted heart muscles.
- In the morning– try to have a least 20 minutes to yourself in the morning to do some deep breathing.
- Don’t take it personally- do not let people infiltrate your mind. Everyone is upset, stressed and tense. Therefore, people are saying things that can totally make you angry.
- Eat healthily- try to eat healthy food; remember that you are inclined to eat more junk under stress and pressure.
- Go outside- carve out a minimum of 10 minutes, go outside, get off the computer, stretch/ move your body.
- Exercise- try to find time to exercise, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening. This is good not just for your body but also for your brain.
- Book financial assessment- This is a huge cause of stress right now, whether you run a business or your working for someone. Take some of the stress of by learning where you stand financially. This can take some of the pressure off.
- Blue light glasses- get a pair; this will change your life and save your eyes if you notice your eyes are getting tired.
- Desk chair- this is critical. Invest in a good chair for your back, but if you are working around the clock, you may want to switch from floor to the chair to support yourself.
- Get an outside hobby- find something you love, even something like reading that is not work-related. You need to have an outside source.
- Support- this is the biggest one of all and why it is number 10! Create or get a support group, call or text friends that you can vent to and that will support you. During the pandemic, life is crazy, and it is a new reality. Previously when people were stressed, they would go to dinner or take a road trip with friends. Unfortunately, many of us are isolated, which adds more tension.
Bonus- mindfulness, mindfulness, mindfulness!!! Start practicing mindfulness, whether it is walking, hiking, or simply sitting and meditating. If none of those are for you, try journaling, whether it’s for your future or just how you felt in the day.