After convalescence and learning the prevention of burn-out, you should remember:

Limits

It is important to set limits both for yourself and others.

Priorities

If you know your basic ranking of priorities and what you value in life, it will be easier to set limits and to say no.

Is it difficult to say no?

Sometimes we say ”Yes” to everyone and everything, just as a reflex action. Make it a habit to think before agreeing to take new things on, for example by counting to ten, or by asking for time to think it over.

Perfectionism

If perfectionism controls your life, you should get help from a psychologist. For mild perfectionism it might help to become more aware of your priorities and values. Learn how to settle for things being ”good enough” sometimes – you do not need to be the best at everything, all the time.

It is not easy to set limits when you love your work and can hardly get enough of it. When you are “high” on enthusiasm and being absorbed in your work, its difficult to tell when you’re tired or worn-out.

Work is everything

If work defines your identity, you will likely feel that you must continue to work (and often, need to work even more) to perceive yourself as competent and important. This type of personality places you a significant risk of becoming a workaholic, and later becoming burned out.

Problems

You get a better grip on your situation if you spend less time worrying about and more time handling the problems. Some conflicts and unbearable situations are simply not possible to solve. Instead of believing that you can handle and fix everything, you sometimes just have to distance yourself from the situation.

Are you self-sacrificing, devoting your time to help others and think that taking care of yourself is, in fact, selfish? If so, you are in danger of getting burned out and you should try to:

• find a balance between these competing needs. It is both responsible and self-respectful to permit self-care and set adequate limits
• develop your ability to be empathic in your care for others, while still holding your sympathy and emotions under control

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