Tips for Preventing Work from Home Burnout While Juggling a Remote Side Hustle
Are you a side hustler struggling to manage your workload and avoid burnout? If so, you're not alone. Many people juggle a side hustle alongside a full-time job, but this can be a recipe for stress, exhaustion, and burnout.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the causes and symptoms of burnout and explore strategies for preventing it when working from home. Whether you're a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or someone with a side hustle, the techniques and tips we'll provide in this blog post can help you prevent burnout and thrive in your pursuits.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a psychological syndrome that results from chronic work-related stress. It is characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.
Burnout can occur in any profession or occupation, but it is prevalent among individuals who work in high-stress jobs or take care of more than one job at a time.
Burnout can have negative consequences for both the individual and the organization. It can lead to decreased job performance, absenteeism, and turnover. In addition, burnout can have adverse effects on physical and mental health, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety.
How burnout affects your physical and mental health
Burnout can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. In terms of physical health, burnout has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other chronic health conditions.
This may be partly because burnout can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, drinking, and smoking.
Mentally, burnout can cause symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. It can also lead to decreased job satisfaction, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness. Burnout can interfere with personal relationships, social activities, and the overall quality of life.
Remote workers and side hustlers may be particularly vulnerable to burnout due to their unique challenges. Remote workers may struggle with work-life balance as the boundaries between work and personal time become blurred.
Side hustlers, who work a second job besides their primary employment, may face additional stressors such as time management challenges and financial pressure.
What is causing burnout for remote workers and side hustlers?
Remote workers and side hustlers may experience burnout due to a variety of factors, including:
1. Blurred boundaries between work and personal life: Working from home or having a side job can make it hard to separate work and personal time. This can lead to constantly being "on" and never fully disconnecting from work.
2. Increased workload: It's possible that freelancers and those working from home would feel pressured to work longer hours or take on more work to make ends meet. This can cause added anxiety and job stress.
3. Lack of social interaction: Working remotely or having a side hustle can be isolating. Individuals may have a different level of social interaction with colleagues or clients than in a traditional workplace. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, contributing to burnout.
4. Financial pressure: Many individuals who pursue side hustles often experience a sense of urgency to earn enough income to cover their expenses. This constant pressure can result in higher levels of stress and anxiety. Additionally, it may lead to overworking and taking on more projects, ultimately resulting in burnout.
Burnout statistics
Burnout is not considered a disease but rather an occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization. In the end, burnout is a syndrome caused by unmanaged, persistent stress in the workplace.
According to Zippia:
86% of employees who work from home full-time experience burnout, while 81% of hybrid workers and 70% of in-person workers feel burnout symptoms.
67% of remote workers report feeling pressured to always be available.
49% of remote workers say they feel overwhelmed by their work and personal responsibilities.
41% of workers who do much remote work say they feel high-stress levels "always" or "most of the time."
What Are the Stages of Burnout?
Burnout typically progresses through three stages:
First stage: the "honeymoon":
During this time, individuals are enthusiastic and optimistic about their work. They may feel motivated and energized and experience high productivity and satisfaction levels.
Second stage: the "onset of stress":
This is when tension, emotional exhaustion, and anxiety build up for people. Feelings of frustration or overload may set in, along with physical manifestations like weariness, impatience, and an inability to focus.
Third and final stage: "chronic burnout":
During this time, people feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, detached from their surroundings, and less capable than usual. Burnout has developed into a chronic and persistent problem and may need substantial intervention to remedy the situation.
Hopelessness or despair might set in, making it difficult for people to find inspiration or fulfillment in their work.
What are early signs of remote work burnout?
The early warning signs of remote work burnout can vary, but some common signs to look out for include:
Physical Symptoms:
Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns
Increased frequency of headaches, muscle tension or pain, and other physical symptoms
Emotional Symptoms:
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Increased irritability, frustration, or anger
Decreased motivation or enthusiasm for work
Reduced job satisfaction or feelings of accomplishment
Behavioral Symptoms:
Decreased productivity or work quality
Avoidance of work tasks or increased procrastination
Increased use of alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism
Withdrawal from social activities or colleagues
It is important to note that these symptoms may not be specific to remote work burnout and can occur for various reasons. However, if these symptoms persist over time, it may be a sign that burnout is becoming a problem.
How to recognize burnout in yourself and others
It might be challenging to spot the signs of burnout in yourself or others since they can be vague or similar to those of other problems. But here are some warning signs that you might be experiencing burnout:
In oneself:
Persistent feelings of exhaustion or fatigue, even after taking time off
Decreased motivation or enthusiasm for work
Increased irritability, frustration, or impatience with others
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Reduced job satisfaction or feelings of accomplishment
Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal issues
In others:
Increased absenteeism or tardiness
Decreased productivity or work quality
Increased irritability or emotional volatility
Avoidance of work tasks or withdrawal from social interactions
Decreased engagement or enthusiasm for work
Physical symptoms such as frequent illnesses or complaints of fatigue
How do you deal with stress when working remotely?
Dealing with stress when working remotely can be challenging, but there are several primary and effective ways to manage these issues:
Establish a routine: Set a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Try to maintain regular working hours and take breaks throughout the day.
Create a designated workspace: Designate a specific area in your home for work. Ensure it's free from distractions and well-equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment to work efficiently and avoid job burnout.
Take breaks: Regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, move, and recharge are perfect for managing stress. It's important to step away from your screen and take a few minutes to clear your mind.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you reduce stress and increase focus. You can try apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditations.
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities promoting physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and hobbies.
How Can You Prevent Burnout When Working Remotely and Managing a Remote Side Hustle?
Preventing burnout when working remotely and managing a remote side hustle requires a combination of professional, creative, and empathetic strategies. Here are some suggestions:
Set clear boundaries: Burnout can be avoided by separating one's job from side hustles and their personal life. To achieve this goal, it may be helpful to establish regular work hours, schedule frequent breaks throughout the day, and refrain from performing job-related activities outside of these hours.
Practice self-care: Practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, stress management techniques, or hobbies can help reduce stress and promote well-being. It is important to prioritize self-care and make time for these activities on a regular basis.
Stay connected: Burnout can be avoided by keeping in touch with people in your life, including coworkers, friends, and family. Maintain meaningful relationships with those you care about by keeping in touch often.
Take breaks: Regular breaks throughout the day are perfect for reducing stress and improving productivity. Establish a time to rest between your job, side hustle, and personal life.
Seek support: If you're experiencing too much stress, it can be a good idea to reach out for help from friends, family, a supervisor, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Manage workload: When working from home, it's crucial to set priorities and avoid taking on too much work simultaneously to prevent being overwhelmed. Making money on the side is great, but putting in too much effort could negatively impact your health and personal life.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Burnout and How to Avoid Them
Here are some common mistakes that can lead to burnout when working remotely, along with suggestions for how to avoid them:
Overworking: One of the most significant contributors to burnout is overworking. Avoid overcommitting yourself to your job by setting strict work hours and sticking to them. Allow for breaks at predetermined intervals and resist the need to put in extra time.
Poor time management: Ineffective time management can lead to stress and burnout. Use tools such as a calendar, task list, or time-tracking app to stay organized and on track.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can be exhausting and lead to burnout. Aim for excellence rather than perfection, and be willing to accept mistakes and imperfections.
Lack of autonomy: Feeling helpless or out of control at work significantly contributes to exhaustion. Maintain as much agency as you can by making your requests and preferences known to your coworkers and superiors.
How Do You Overcome Burnout When Working From Home?
As a side hustler working from home, burnout can feel like an ever-present threat looming in the background. It can be difficult to distinguish between work and personal life, making it difficult to know when to take a break. However, overcoming burnout and striking a healthier balance with the correct strategies is possible.
Remember to take time to recharge your batteries and establish limits on how much time you spend on work-related tasks. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can protect your well-being and achieve success in both your side hustle and your full-time job.
The next time you feel burnout creeping in, remember that you have the power to take control and prevent it from taking over.
FAQ:
1. How do I know when it's time to take a break?
When you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, irritated, or unproductive, it's time to take a break. Physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tightness are other warning signs that it's time to take a break from your work. Frequent breaks are beneficial for productivity, burnout prevention, and general health.
2. How do I prioritize self-care when managing a remote side hustle?
Putting yourself first while working remotely is easier said than done, but self-care is crucial for avoiding burnout and improving your well-being.
You can treat self-care activities like any other appointment or task and schedule them into your calendar. Once you have the time, focus on actions that lead to your well-being, such as taking a quick walk or stretching.
Additionally, you can set specific work hours and avoid working during your personal time. Also, you can combat burnout with online therapy, mindfulness techniques, and by improving your sleep habits.
3. Can burnout affect my relationships with others?
Yes, burnout can affect your relationships with others. When you're experiencing burnout, you may feel irritable, impatient, or withdrawn, which can strain your relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Burnout can also impact your ability to communicate effectively, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Additionally, when you're burned out, you may have less time and energy for social activities, which can further strain your relationships. This can be incredibly challenging for remote workers and side hustlers, who may feel isolated or disconnected.
4. How can I ensure my side hustle doesn't interfere with my full-time job or vice versa?
You should establish clear limits between the two to ensure that your side hustle doesn't interfere with your full-time job (or vice versa). This might involve setting specific work hours for each job, avoiding multitasking, and prioritizing your workload based on deadlines and commitments.
Fortunately, you can still give some easy side hustle ideas a chance to make extra money without affecting your regular schedule. A great option is Forthright, a reliable and fantastic site that pays you by completing online surveys. Register now to increase your income in an easy and fun way.
5. How do you prevent burnout when you can't stop?
If you cannot stop working and prevent burnout, there are still strategies you can use to manage your workload and take care of yourself. One approach is to prioritize self-care by making time for activities that help you recharge and reduce stress.
Establishing firm limits between work and personal time, reaching out for help from friends and family, and reassessing your workload to identify activities you can hand off to others can all help.
In the end, avoiding burnout when you're too busy to stop working means prioritizing your own health and happiness while still getting everything else done.