Fighting burnout while reaching your limits

Becoming an Indie Hacker is different for everyone, but except for a few examples, it always involves hard work, perseverance, and in my case, pushing my limits.

But how can we do more without burning out?

How can we walk through the edge of our capacity knowing when to stop?

I want to discuss that here and get your opinions and feedback to complete this journey together and with our minds and bodies healthy.

The power of a routine

In my experience, the most powerful tool in my arsenal to avoid burnout is to have a routine. Waking up every day roughly at the same time and going to bed on a similar schedule can help you detect when something is different or wrong.

Having a routine helps you know yourself and the taste of burnout.

Also, it releases your brain from thinking about frivolities. You automize your day-to-day tasks and reserve your brain power for the most demanding endeavors.

But what should a healthy routine include?

Exercises

Exercising is the greatest resetter. It is the thing that will change your mood, mental focus, and stress level in the shortest time.

Don't skip a workout, especially when you want to skip it.

When you work out is up to you. I used to exercise in the mornings because that boosted my day, but I was losing some valuable hours when I was more productive, so I tried the evenings.

The change was challenging but was the best thing I have ever done. Now I can focus on working in the morning, and when my mind is bloated in the evenings after work, I go to the gym and come back with a clear head, so now I can do more work at night.

Healthy food

Changing my diet was one of the biggest improvers in my energy and productivity. I've always had a balanced alimentation but never said no to food or drink.

Sugar and alcohol are the best way to mess with your brain.

The change I experienced was almost miraculous when I stopped consuming sugar, fried food, and alcohol daily. I still have them, but now it is a monthly dose or less.

In the same category of boosters was intermittent diet, but I love to eat, and dinner and lunch times are great for socializing with your friends and family.

Morning cold showers

Cold showers after waking up are scary, but now I can't live without them. I'm always fuzzy when I wake up, but the adrenaline hit I get after a cold shower is better than coffee.

A cold shower after waking up clears the noise of your brain; it turns it into a blank canvas.

The feeling of freshness and readiness is incomparable. I keep this practice without me across the whole year. Yes, even in winter.

Friends and family

This is what cost me the most, I love my friends and family, but it is easy to prioritize work over quality time with them. Sometimes I can feel guilty if I start spending time with my family and friends instead of working. This is stupid. We are social animals. We need our connection; we need our tribe.

Your inner circle can detect if you are burning out before you do. Keep them close.

My worst near burnout experience was to realize it because I saw my wife crying in concern, don't do to yourself what you don't want to see your loved one going through.

Last words

Take care, everyone; this journey only matters if we get out in one piece without losing the people we care about.