For most of us, we spend more time working than not. That can sound a bit depressing but what if you really enjoy the sense of accomplishment, the camaraderie, the impact you leave? Well, it doesn't have to be all bad. That being said, I bet you've had at least one job where it has left you feeling none of those things and actually feeling quite disheartened or even unhappy.

Overwhelm comes when we try to do too much. When we say yes to opportunities without stopping to think whether it's aligned with our bigger vision. When we let our ego get into the driver's seat. Or when we subconsciously follow conditioned beliefs that no longer serve us.

Burnout used to be my best friend.

In 2019, I quit my job to set up my own company. Before long, my life became a cycle of overwork, overwhelm and collapse.

I got fatigue and exhaustion, severe anxiety, chronic gastro-intestinal issues, and physical injuries from overwork.

I gave myself a repetitive strain injury in my right arm, from shoulder to index fingertip. My doctor warned me I could get lifelong nerve damage.

So I hit pause. Rested a bit. And then I fell straight back into burnout.

Again and again and again.

Burnout made me feel broken.

I’m going to talk you through an unconventional productivity hack. Doing non-work related activities during the working day.

Does the thought of that make you panic at the thought of the 'catching up' you'll have to do later?

Try not to freak out just yet. Let me explain in a little more detail.

If you are reading this, then you are about to be challenged. Stick with me.

I want to prompt a mindset shift within you that is going to make things more pleasurable and generate greater results.

Vision boards are about two things. Clarity and intention. You don’t have to make a pretty looking board but I would implore you to take some time to get clear on what it is you want from the next 12 months. You can literally do this at anytime; in fact life often throws such unexpected curve balls that it is beneficial to update one’s vision to accommodate. And your intention is a commitment. It is the investment that you are ready to make in yourself, your life…. your happiness.

Your relationship with yourself affects your ability to see goals through to completion. If your self worth is low, how will you truly believe you are deserving of that success you long for? Here is how you can improve your self worth and your chances of achieving your dreams.

Mental health in the context of the workplace feels like a precarious topic to address. It may be awkward but it cannot be ignored. Where did all the nuance go?