Don't Burn the Candle at Both Ends - Relax Before You Burn Out

Last week I did something very unusual. On Wednesday I went straight home from work without stopping to run any errands. At home I turned on the TV curled up on the sofa and for the rest of the evening I did - nothing!

"So what," you might say "I do this every day!" but for me it is highly unlikely to come home and simply relax. The reason for my strange behavior was, I didn't feel well. I had a cold for two weeks and it wasn't getting any better. Overall I had a problem at work and I couldn't find a way out, a situation I genuinely hate.

Burnout syndrome - not only manager and so-called high achiever are suffering from it. A survey found out that this syndrome could befall everybody in every profession. Especially people who define their self-confidence and self-worth through their jobs.

Also the year is coming to an end and there are only 3 weeks left until Christmas and for many this is a very hectic and stressful time. There seem to be a heavier workload at the office, there are Christmas Parties to attend and gifts to buy. Not to forget the decorating of the house and the tree.

Why don't we allow ourselves enough time to relax and recharge our batteries before an illness forces us? From childhood on we are told to be perfect and strong, that we only can achieve something when we work hard. No wonder, that we don't allow us the "weakness" to call it a day and enjoy our leisure time.

We don't have to do everything. It is true that nobody else can do a job as we would do it, but it is healthier to delegate things and accept that nothing has to be perfect, so let go of the need to be in control. This way we have much more time and energy for our other interest. The time before Christmas should be a time to enjoy and not a time to run us into the ground.

My to-do-list for the coming week contains things I like: meeting with my former colleague for shopping and fun, treating myself to a new nail polish, spending the next weekend with my Dad and spoiling the cats.

And most important - having a good time and relaxing!