My Super-Charged Life

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Our minds need maintenance to perform at peak efficiency and to avoid burnout.  We often neglect this about ourselves.  We live in a fast-paced world.  We burn the candle at both ends and then wonder why we feel tired and run down.  We don’t really take the time to give our brains the chance to recuperate.  The symptoms of burnout include indifference, inability to concentrate, and in extreme cases we start feeling depressed.  Often, all we really need to do to recover from burnout is to take a time-out, relax, and rest.

Good maintenance ensures top performance.

I took my truck in to the shop this week to get some much needed service.  I wrote in an earlier article how I drive a 1997 Ford F-150 with over 120,000 miles on it.  It is a great truck, but even so, it occasionally needs some tender loving care from a mechanic.  Fortunately, in this case, my truck let me know it was time to go to the shop.  The “Check Engine Soon” light came on.  I have no idea what the problem may be, I’m sure my mechanic will be able to properly diagnose the issue and fix the problem.  I’m just glad the light let’s me know a problem exists because there are no obvious symptoms.  Otherwise, the problem might fester and cause some real damage that would likely cost me some big bucks.

We need to be proactive to prevent burnout.

Wouldn’t it be nice if our brains had a “Check Engine Soon” light?  I often don’t realize that it is time for some R & R until it is much too late.  Just like my truck, my mind doesn’t seem to show obvious symptoms until burnout is really on me.  Of course, once I’m in this condition it usually takes some significant time away from it all to rejuvenate myself.  A week in Mexico usually does the trick, but I don’t get those too often and with the price of airfare right now, it can be expensive.  In order to avoid burnout, I am suggesting the following preventive maintenance for our minds.

Here is a preventative maintenance schedule for your mind.

1. Get an oil change every day.  An oil change is the most basic and simplest form of vehicle maintenance.  It has to be performed religiously to avoid excessive wear and tear on the internal workings of your engine.  For your mind, the most basic form of maintenance is a good night’s sleep.  You need 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night in order for your mind to operate clearly and at peak efficiency.  Sleep is to your mind as eating healthy is to your body.  If you are having trouble getting the right amount of rest, then you should check out 22 Simple Tips to Get Out of Sleep Debt.  This is the first thing you need to get under control if you want to avoid burnout.
2. Go for a tune-up about once a month.  A tune-up for a vehicle is preventative maintenance that goes deeper than those things that are typically done during an oil change.  It usually involves the replacement of parts that become worn out over the course of normal operation.  Our minds also need a good tune-up from time-to-time.  For me, this means taking a time-out and getting my mind off things like work, writing, and taking care of the kids.  It usually takes the form of a date night, a camping trip, or a couple of days alone with my wife.  The object is to clear your mind of all the normal concerns and just have fun.  This has a very positive impact and keeps us from burning out.
3. Get a major repair twice a year.  Parts on cars break.  Sometimes it’s the water pump  or it might be the starter, but whatever it is it has to be fixed before the car is going to get you where you want to go.  In the same way, your mind needs a significant repair every so often.  This is why the concept of vacation was invented.  I believe that you need to take a full week off from work about twice a year.  I know this seems difficult, but it is worth it.  There is something about taking off for a full week that you just don’t get from anything shorter.  It truly gives your mind the time it needs to fully relax and recover. 
4. Go for an overhaul as needed.  When our vehicles have a lot of mileage on them and they have been used hard for several years, the only option for getting things to work right again is an overhaul.  This is where a mechanic tears the engine completely part and replaces components deep inside.  If you have been overworked and burned out for sometime, then you may need an overhaul.  You might want to consider things like changing jobs, taking a sabbatical, or pursuing a new line of work to energize yourself again.  These may seem like radical things to do, but once you are at this stage, it usually takes something big to get things back on track.  We spend too much of our lives working not to enjoy it.  Of course, I recommend a sensible approach even to an overhaul.  Don’t walk out on your job until you have something else lined up.

Taking the right steps to avoid burnout.

Burnout is oftentimes insidious and paralyzing.  It can creep up on you if you aren’t taking the proper steps to maintain your mind.  However, if we get the proper rest, relaxation, and recreation, we can often avoid burnout all together.  Take a few minutes today to evaluate yourself and make a plan for your next pit stop.  At the very least, give yourself a treat.  It can lift your spirits and give you the boost you need to regain your enthusiasm!

Please leave me a comment and let me know how you avoid burnout.

Photos by hywell and deckchair