Do you wake up on Monday morning overwhelmed with dread because of your to-do list? Do you feel the “Sunday Scaries” hit as the sun starts to go down on your weekend?

Maybe that feels a little dramatic to you. But maybe you thought, “That’s exactly how I feel right now!”

Burnout isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a mental reality, especially for work-from-home professionals.

When your home doubles as your office, days can feel monotonous as you stare at the same four walls. The only human face you see from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is through a computer screen.

Over time, the monotony drains your energy. You wake up wondering where your creative spark or your passion went. It’s been replaced by an ever-growing to-do list and lethargy.

If this is you — or feels like it could become you — it’s time to take a step back so your to-do list stops dictating your mental health.

It’s time to re-design your workday!

Find your deep work window.

No matter how many energy drinks you chug, you won’t be able to sustain peak productivity throughout the day.

Some hours you’ll feel motivated, and others you’ll struggle to stay on task.

Determine when you’re at your peak and make that period your deep work time. During your deep work block, silence your notifications, close your inbox and power through your to-do list.

Focus on time-sensitive tasks first, and as your deep work time comes to a close, designate any unfinished tasks to be completed during tomorrow’s deep work session.

Lower the stakes when your energy is lowest.

When are you fighting the sleep demons or the urge to scroll through social media? When does a big task seem the most daunting?

Don’t force yourself to tackle a big project when your energy level isn’t up to the task. Instead, work through smaller tasks that require less brain power. Sort through your inbox, answer emails, save content or organize your files.

Shifting between these simpler tasks keeps your brain engaged and helps you remain productive with a steady diet of items crossed off your list.

Don’t forget to rest your brain!

When you’re hitting a productivity wall, don’t try to break through with sheer willpower. Take a ten-minute walk, stretch or eat a snack. These breaks aren’t a waste of time; they’re helping you fuel productivity during your peak hours.

Change your environment to fit your workflow.

Sometimes, the best strategy isn’t to make one space work.

This is where a third space, like Cornerstone Coworking, can make a difference! When you’re struggling to stay on task, working alongside other professionals in a different space can actually boost your productivity. It’s called body doubling! (More on that here!)

And finally, be kind to yourself!

Need a five-minute mental break on social media? That’s okay!

A big project took longer than expected and wasn’t finished during deep work? That’s okay!

Rather than let your to-do list dictate your day or your mental health, stay flexible. Adjust your day around your energy levels.

Ready to find a healthier rhythm?

We’d love to help! Try a day pass at Cornerstone Coworking and see how our space can promote productivity and help you avoid burnout.

Beating Burnout