We have to be able to see the space between the stimulus and the response.

– Ana Melikian, Ph.D.

Can we find a bigger, more complex puzzle on Earth than humans? In my experience, no. We can’t. The complexities of the human psyche continue to astound and intrigue me throughout my work and studies.

I had the delight of being interviewed by Tyler Wagner—founder of Authors Unite and host of The Tyler Wagner Show—about my experiences as a psychotherapist and how that led me to where I am today, helping others maximize their impact while avoiding burnout—it all started with a love for puzzles.    

We discuss: 

• The importance of sleep and managing work intensity
• The impact of a balanced approach
• The power of determining your rhythm

The importance of sleep and managing work intensity

What is the first thing someone asks if you say, “I feel burnt out.”? 

Nine times out of ten, they’ll probably ask some variation of, “How much sleep have you been getting?” 

Sleep quality determines much of how effective we are in our day-to-day operations—from energy levels to mental clarity, sleep is where it starts. 

It’s tempting to push and convince ourselves that we can function without getting proper sleep, but the truth is there is only a finite percentage of people in the world with the modified genes that allow them to operate on 4-5 hours of sleep without ill effects to their health and abilities. 

When we consider the relationship between sleep and burnout, we see a direct link. But what can we do to help balance out the requirements of work and sleep needs?

It might not be what you expect.

The impact of a balanced approach

Improving sleep quality doesn’t have to mean melatonin pills or yoga or lavender-infused pillow cases—though there’s nothing wrong with those things, of course—but, rather, it can mean rearranging how you spend your days.

If we think of our bodies as having a battery, and we have one day to use that energy before recharging, we start to see that the answer lies in varying and diversifying the type of activities we do throughout our day. 

There are high-energy takers such as: 

• Physical labor—yard work, chores, highly physical careers such as construction or pro sports, running, etc.
• Mental labor—complex problems, writing, troubleshooting, detailed work, numbers, people management, etc. 

There are also less demanding tasks that can typically be completed on autopilot, such as: 

• Reading
• Time management
• Calendar coordination
• Emails (depending on your field)
• Lounging/relaxing/consuming media

When we stagger the type of tasks we focus on throughout the day, we can give our brains and bodies equal chances to work, alongside building in times of stillness and rest. 

The power of determining your rhythm 

Of course, some tasks may be draining to one person and energizing to another. It’s important to determine which activities are demanding for us, which are energizing, and which are more automatic. Human beings have a rhythm, and we must learn how to tap into our natural rhythm to unlock our full potential. If we learn to tap into our rhythm and learn to live on purpose, we can have an incredible impact out there in the world.

It can be tempting to give up if nothing has worked so far. But if I have learned anything across my years of studying the human mind and working with countless people, all aiming for improved mental health and personal development—there is a solution for everyone. Do not lose hope.

How have you attempted to manage burnout? Has your sleep quality suffered as a result of your ambitions? Be sure to check out my full interview with Tyler for further insight into maximizing impact!