Hi there! As always, I'm Taaro, solodev from Farewell. I've been thinking a lot about what to write today, because my progress with the game is still going on but I'm still in the writing stages, so it's hard for me to find a topic. Anyway, there is something that characterized this month, and that is burnout. This time, I want to talk a bit about this topic, perhaps as a catalyst and as a way to say it to myself.
What's burnout?
Burnout is a special type of work-related stress, a state of physical or emotional exhaustion. It is described as an inadequate way of dealing with chronic stress, the main features of which are emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased personal performance.
If you work long hours, without any motivation or rest, you are probably familiar with this state.
What triggers burnout?
Generally, it usually happens because of being under pressure or working demandingly for a long time. In my case, if you have read my other blog posts, you know that I work every day without exception. There is a positive point in this, and it is that you always see progress and it is like building brick by brick. But there is also the downside, and the reality is that eventually this exhaustion sets in.
Recently, it has been happening to me a lot that I work for a few weeks and I get so burned out that I have to take a vacation. I can no longer work as many hours as I used to or achieve the same value in a day.
What effects does burnout have on mental and physical health?
Basically, exhaustion. Feeling tired and exhausted all day long. In addition to that, there is the lack of motivation and difficulty to concentrate.
On the more serious side, it generates anxiety and stress, which if carried over the long term is a serious health problem. There are several studies on how it reduces the quality of life and how it increases heart problems, stress and anxiety, as well as chronic diseases or weakening of the immune system.
How to prevent burnout
Basically, resting seems to be the best answer. In fact, I took a week off and I feel that anxiety decreased a lot. But there are also other points that can help you in case you can't take a vacation.
Realistic goals. This helps a lot, because setting a realistic goal per day or per week makes it easier to visualize an end.
Take time off. You may not be able to take a vacation, but it has helped me to take 15 minutes to an hour away from my work, to try to mentally detach from what I was doing.
Differentiate well between work and leisure space. In case you do homeoffice this is a very important point and very difficult to achieve, because your rest and work space are mixed. In the book of Atomic Habits it is mentioned to organize your home with micro-spaces with their corresponding purpose, and thus not to mix them.
Find support. This point is something I will always recommend, and that is help from either friends or professionals. Talking and being able to unburden yourself is a huge mental help.
Summary
It can be hard to avoid burnout at first, especially if you are developing your game full time, but it is harder to achieve results in that state, which leads to more anxiety and stress. So, if you're reading this, take a break and do some activity that doesn't make you think about work.
And you?
Do you suffer from burnout?
What do you do to recover?
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