Are you suffering from job burnout? If you feel you’re on the verge of stressing too much because of your job, take a step back, you might be facing burnout. You can take some steps to avoid or at least alleviate job stress before it becomes full-blown burnout.

1. Get a life outside of your company
   It’s great to be passionate about your work; but, remember you need a life outside the work also.
   
   
2. Find time to play
   Force yourself to find leisure time. People on the verge of burnout usually are spending less time with family and friends. They have trouble getting away from the workplace. If you can’t take a few days off, even just one day in a relaxing environment with no computers, faxes, e-mails, phone calls, or any thoughts of work can help renew you.
   
   Schedule a standing date night with your mate or your friends and commit to it. If you have vacation time, plan a vacation or quick getaways months ahead. Then buy non-refundable tickets and prepay the hotel. This makes it financially and emotionally painful to cancel.
   
   
3. Get physical
   You’ve heard it over and over again, but have you really listened? You need to work physical activities into your day. And while you’re exercising or walking, focus on something else besides work; don’t use your exercise time to go over what needs to be done in the office, otherwise you will just create more stress. Sign up for a regular, non-work activity during the week that makes you leave the office early or on time.
   
   
4. Set realistic objectives
   Much of stress stems from feeling overwhelmed. If you’re feeling snowed under at work, sit down with your boss to discuss and prioritize your projects. Walk in prepared--make a duty or project list.
   
   
5. Use your support network
   Everyone needs people inside and outside of work to turn to for support, encouragement, and candid feedback. Most important are those people who laugh with and sometimes at you. They can help you see things from a different view.
   
   
6. Keep your options open within the company
   People who burn out usually feel they have no way out of a situation. Update your resume and be prepared to talk about your accomplishments in the past few years and what you contribute to the organization. Determine areas within the company that you may contribute to. In some cases, a lateral move can be as good as a promotion.
   
   
7. Don’t be afraid to go out on job interviews
   Keep your resume updated and fresh by adding the additional duties that are passed on to you. Sometimes being a workaholic means that you are afraid to make a move. When you are seen through fresh, positive eyes, your outlook may change.
   
   
8. Never let 'them' tell you how lucky you are
   Don't listen to bosses who tell you that you are lucky to have your job or a job. If you feel that you are lucky because you love your job that's fine. When a supervisor or boss says it, it may be their way of letting you know there will be no raises or promotions forthcoming. Humorist and writer Mark Twain said, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
   
   
9. Make plans to leave if you have to
   Much stress comes from worrying about problems at work and potential job loss. If you see there really is no sign that a situation will change, leave. But be prepared ahead of time to make the change. Check out classified ads periodically to see what employers are looking for in your field. Network, network, network. Use your vacation days, etc. for interviews. Save money like mad--even if you get a new job, you may have to wait for your new paycheck. Did I mention, network!