As someone who’s balancing multiple responsibilities—working a 9-hour shift as a Marketing and Communication Manager from Monday to Saturday, running Novellisteer as a brand, offering services in community marketing through Damiel Badra at night, building The Seeker Effect (which focuses on security initiatives like Not So Linear and helping businesses defend against insider threats via creating content), and pursuing a graduate research degree—it’s easy to feel stretched thin.
I know firsthand what it’s like to want to give your all, but also struggle to maintain your energy and mental well-being.
Over the years, I’ve learned that giving 100% doesn’t mean constantly pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. It’s about learning to navigate the demands of life in a way that’s sustainable, mindful, and balanced. I’ve had moments where I’ve worked hard, only to crash afterwards. I realized that being “all in” doesn’t have to mean burning out.
So, here are the key ingredients that help me stay on top of my game while preventing burnout. These steps apply to all aspects of life, from work to personal relationships, fitness, and self-care.
1. Know When to Push and When to Step Back
Nigeria is a country where hustle culture often dominates, it can feel like you’re expected to give 100% all the time. But the truth is, nobody can be “on” 24/7 without consequences. For me, managing various roles across different sectors, from community marketing to research, means that I have to know when to push myself and when to take a step back.
It’s not easy at first. I used to think that success only came from pushing yourself to the limit, but that’s not true. While there are times when you need to move like mad—like working on a big project, preparing for an important meeting, or launching a new initiative—there are also times when stepping back is the wisest thing you can do.
For instance, after a long month of working on The Seeker Effect or preparing content for Novellisteer, I make it a point to recognize when my energy is depleting. I step away, recharge, and return with a clearer mind. This simple act of pacing yourself is essential to maintaining your energy for the long run.
Practical Tip:
To start, set boundaries for your work hours. While it’s tempting to work late into the night or during weekends, it’s important to define the times when you push and when you rest. Listen to your body—if you feel drained, don’t force productivity. It’s okay to prioritize rest and recovery when needed.
2. Talk It Out: Don’t Bottle Up Stress
We live in a world where being busy and overworked is often glorified. We’re expected to keep our problems to ourselves and just power through. But I’ve learned in my journey that bottling up stress only leads to faster burnout. Talking to someone or something—whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, recorder or yourself or even a therapist—can make all the difference.
I can remember times when juggling Damiel Badra, Novellisteer, and my research became overwhelming. But instead of internalizing the stress, I’d talk to someone and something (My Alter Ego and Journal ). Venting out frustrations and hearing feedback gave me clarity and helped me view challenges differently. Often, the act of sharing helps lighten the load.
Why Communication Matters:
When you keep your struggles to yourself, they start to build up. Stress grows into frustration, which can turn into anxiety or even feelings of helplessness. But when you talk about it—whether it’s about feeling overwhelmed at work or unsure of how to move forward in a project—you create an outlet for release. More importantly, others can offer insights or suggestions you may not have considered. Talking opens the door to new solutions.
Practical Tip:
If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a trusted colleague or friend about what’s on your mind. If work-related, approach your boss or supervisor and professionally share your concerns. If personal, don’t hesitate to open up to those close to you. For those who prefer more structured conversations, seeking a therapist or counsellor is a great way to work through more complex emotions and pressures.
3. Master the Art of Switching Off
One of my biggest lessons is the importance of completely switching off from work. It’s easy to think that taking breaks is wasted time, especially when you’re passionate about what you do or have a lot on your plate. But here’s the thing: our brains aren’t wired to run at full speed all the time. Rest is vital for creativity, focus, and productivity.
Take my daily routine, for example. After a full day as a Marketing and Communication Manager and late-night work on Damiel Badra, I make it a point to disconnect. Whether it’s by spending time in my head, reading, watching clips on YouTube or messing up the room, I ensure that my mind has time to relax and recharge. This helps me avoid burnout and approach the next day’s work with renewed energy.
How to Switch Off Effectively:
The key is to find activities that allow your mind to completely disconnect from work. Watching TV or scrolling through social media can be relaxing, but they don’t always give your brain the break it needs. Try activities like meditation, yoga, or simply going for a walk outside. These practices help clear your mind and can even spark creativity when you return to work.
Practical Tip:
Set a time each day to switch off—whether it’s 30 minutes or an hour. If possible, turn off work notifications and avoid checking emails during this time. Engage in an activity that makes you feel relaxed, such as reading a book, cooking, or spending time with loved ones.
4. Recharge Daily with Self-Care
Self-care has become a buzzword, but it’s something I take very seriously. With so much going on in life, it’s easy to overlook taking care of yourself. But without self-care, everything else suffers—your work, relationships, and overall well-being.
I’ve made it a priority to incorporate self-care into my daily routine. Whether it’s through practising gratitude, indulging in my favourite hobbies (singing or watching Asian drama), or spending time alone to reflect, these moments of self-care fuel me for the busy days ahead.
The Importance of Gratitude:
Gratitude has been a game-changer for me. Taking a few moments each day to reflect on what I’m grateful for helps shift my mindset from stress to appreciation. It reminds me that no matter how busy or overwhelmed I may feel, there are always things to be thankful for. And when you approach your work with a positive outlook, giving 100% becomes more manageable and enjoyable.
Practical Tip:
Start a daily gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for. This simple practice can shift your mindset and help you recharge mentally and emotionally. You can also dedicate time to pamper yourself, whether that’s with a skincare routine, a good workout, or simply watching your favourite TV show.
On The Blog: How to Get Your Spark Back: 8 Steps to Do That
5. Create a Support System
As much as we’d like to think we can handle everything on our own, the truth is that we all need support. Whether it’s from family, friends, colleagues, or mentors, having people around you who understand your goals and challenges can be a great source of motivation.
For me, having a support system has been vital in managing the demands of my career, business ventures, and personal growth. From colleagues at work who provide feedback on projects, to friends who offer encouragement, and mentors who guide me through tough decisions—it’s these relationships that help keep me grounded.
Why You Need a Support System:
When you’re giving your all, it’s easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed. But having people in your corner who can provide advice, encouragement, and practical help can make all the difference. Your support system doesn’t have to be large, but it should consist of people who understand your journey and are willing to offer a listening ear or a helping hand.
Practical Tip:
Reach out to your existing network and nurture those relationships. Whether it’s scheduling regular check-ins with a mentor or simply staying in touch with close friends, having people you can rely on will help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
Balancing multiple responsibilities is not easy, and giving 100% without burning out is an ongoing challenge. But by knowing when to push, learning to talk things out, setting boundaries, making time for yourself, and surrounding yourself with the right people, you can achieve a balance that allows you to thrive.
Remember, success is not about constant hustle—it’s about pacing yourself for the long haul. So, take care of yourself, listen to your body and mind, and give your best without losing yourself along the way.
Till Next Time!
Let’s Chat In The Comment
- What’s your go-to method for switching off and recharging after a long day of work?
- Which of the strategies mentioned resonated with you the most, and why?
- Do you have an alter ego or a system in place to help you manage stress, or are you looking to build one?
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