If you have been feeling unmotivated or uninspired by your career or life in general, there is likely an underlying cause. You may be experiencing the symptoms of burnout. Here are some causes of burnout followed by some smart ways to beat it and get your mojo back.

Here are 6 boundaries you could set to help you stay focused while working from home and avoiding burning out:

Implement routine

Every new parent knows the importance of routine for their baby. Routine gives a sense of security and stability, something that is fundamental for all of us during these unprecedented times. We become adults and neglect the importance of a having routine but there is no better time than now to set a routine. This will also help you delegate tasks more effectively and prioritise what needs more attention.

Having a routine can be as simple as waking up at the same time daily and going to bed at the same time. Your routine should be personalised to your own life and responsibilities so do not feel pressured to have one that looks like somebody else’s.

Designate a working space

While grabbing your laptop and working from bed first thing in the morning seems harmless and convenient – it could be both detrimental to your physical health and posture, but it could also drastically affect your sleeping patterns.

If you don’t have a home office or an extra room you can turn into a working space, use the dinner table. You could also put a small desk in a quiet corner in your home. This will minimize the chances of being distracted but will also help your mind get off “work-mode” when you are not in your designated workspace.

Have a schedule and stick to it

Having a schedule could be life-changing. It will help you implement the boundaries between work and life when done effectively. It will also help you prioritise your daily tasks and help you see what you can realistically achieve in a day. This will help you monitor your work-life balance and block out time for friends, family and hobbies. The most important part is sticking to your schedule.

Eat nutritious food

While having fast food and junk food can be comforting during this time, it is destructive when it comes to trying to stay focused. This food often contains little or no nutrients with very high sugar levels which will lead to having a sugar crash and poor concentration. When trying to maintain focus and concentration throughout your day you need to fuel your brain with proper nutrients that you can find in vegetables, whole grains and fruits.

Regular exercise

With the outside world being closed and working from home being the new normal, it is easy to neglect physical activity. Not only is exercise great for your physical body but plays a huge role in your mental wellbeing. Exercising regularly has been proven to better concentration and memory. It boosts the brains dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin – all of which affect your focus and attention span. So, if you have been struggling to focus during this time, consider adding a simple and suitable workout to your day.

Take regular breaks

Working from the comfort of your home may have you working non-stop. While you may think this is effective for your productivity the opposite is most likely the case. Not taking adequate breaks can decrease your productivity and damage your mental well-being. Regular breaks should be scheduled to help de-stress and re-charge. Taking a break to walk outside or have a conversation with your family in another room could even boost your creativity and improve your overall well-being and work performance.

Stay hydrated

Drinking more water is often overlooked but could easily be the game changer to your overall health and productivity. Dehydration can cause brain fog, fatigue and problems concentrating together with multiple other problems. The brain is 85% water, the functioning of the brain depends on water. So, ensure you always have a glass of water at your desk while working or simply get a large bottle that you can fill up and have for the day.