If you’re in tech, your day is probably always a hectic one, and it doesn’t stop when it’s time to go home. Most computer systems are running 24/7, which means your phone could ring at any hour of the day or night with the latest fire that needs to be put out. More than ever, in today’s world it’s important to find ways to avoid getting burned out by the nonstop stress monster that is being a leader in the IT department.
Unplug
Most engineers agree that in order to achieve a full break from work, they need to be nowhere near their phones or other electronic devices. Since technology is part of the reason for stress, detaching oneself from the reason makes sense. In periods of slowness or downtime, this is something to fully take advantage of.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness isn’t just a trend, it’s a very real mental state that is achieved by living in the moment and being present, without ruminating over past issues or forecasting potential what-if scenarios in the future. A form of meditation, mindfulness lets you take a mental vacation from everything that’s bothering you or going wrong around you. There are many great mindfulness apps that can guide you through a session.
Get Outside
There are many health-related reasons for getting outside to relax, especially if you work in a stressful field like the IT industry. Being in the great outdoors does wonders for you, both mentally and physically. Studies proved that short-term memory was boosted by walking in wooded areas near trees, as opposed to urban equivalents. In addition, just the act of being outside has been proven to reduce our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that affects many other areas of the body, both cognitively and materially. Exposing your brain to curative environments also helps reduce mental fatigue, which is what can lead to total burnout. It’s vital to catch mental exhaustion before it escalates.
Be Kind to Yourself
The old adage “you are what you eat” is entirely accurate. If you don’t take care of your basic nutritional needs, you are denying yourself the opportunity to operate at maximum efficiency. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining personal hygiene, and partaking in daily exercise will all help you handle stressful environments better.
