Have you ever worn yourself out so completely that you had to cancel an important meeting? Or maybe you’ve found yourself sick out-of-the-blue or stuck in bed with fatigue?

Unfortunately, situations like this are not only common, but dangerous. Burn out is real.

According to the dictionary, burn out means “to be completely consumed and thus no longer aflame.” I, for one, don’t want to walk around no longer aflame. I believe that we all have opportunities and gifts to pursue. We should guard ourselves against being so completely consumed that we are no longer using those gifts and passions for the best.

One of the greatest keys to success to knowing when you’re about to burn out. We all face seasons of life that leave us tired, groggy, or upset. So, rather than finding ourselves lost in one of those seasons, let’s guard against burn out and keep our flames burning.

Consider the following ways that we can protect ourselves from burn out:

Be lazy – really!   

When was the last time you did nothing? Doing nothing isn’t lazy unless you only do nothing. However, if you are taking the time to read this blog, I have no doubt you are a go-getter.

Even go-getter’s need short periods of time to do nothing. Take a nap. Go for a quiet walk. Experiment with a new hobby. Sit in silence or spend time praying.

Breaking your normal routine is great for your energy and your mind! So, break your routine and do something “lazy” for an hour every once in a while. This is great protection against burn-out.

Laugh daily. 

Did you know that there are some awesome benefits that come from laughing? Mayo Clinic says that “laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” And not only that, but laughter also relieves your stress response and lessens tension.

It seems to me that spending a few moments each day laughing – really laughing – will do much good for our energy and health.

Turn on your favorite comedian or have dinner with your funniest friends. Read something hilarious or turn out YouTube. What about America’s Funniest Home Videos?

There are many reasons to laugh. And while it seems simple, laughter will go a long way in protecting you from the all-too-common burn out. 

Know your limits.

We all have things in which we succeed and things that we should hand off to another. Each of us has unique gifts, and I believe that we thrive when we use those specific gifts.

Part of knowing yourself and your gifts if knowing what you shouldn’t do. For example, I have a team of people who help with my website, my social media, and my customer relations. I know my limits, and I know that Wealthbuilders needs a team of people to grow and succeed.

When you determine your limits, don’t be afraid to admit them. I think this is the key. What good are limits if we don’t follow them, right? Ask for help. Be vulnerable. Encourage someone else’s strengths.

It would be a shame to watch the flame of many entrepreneurs and business owners go out because of a lack of self-care. And while it may seem like this topic has been beat into the ground one too many times, don’t lose track of the reason.

It’s essential to take care of yourself today, so that you can push hard tomorrow.

What keeps you from burning out? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments.