How to Craft a Work Schedule to Avoid Burnout

2020 was a year that tested us all, particularly our schedules and ability to balance work and play. We’ve had to adapt to new working methods with video conferencing replacing the usual office banter and parties being pushed to the side. Things are starting to look up, but the popularity of remote work looks set to stay, meaning a shift is needed in the way we schedule our working day.

We can no longer rely on the company to organize our breaks or minimize distractions; we have to learn to craft our own work schedule to maximize productivity and avoid burnout.

If you’re like 75% of the working population, chances are you’ve suffered from burnout before. Once deemed as simply a precursor to stress, the World Health Organization (WHO) has now officially listed burnout as an occupational phenomenon – so it’s time to start taking action.

One of the simplest ways to prevent burnout is by crafting a personalized work schedule that enhances your productivity. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top six ways you can build a work schedule that alleviates the effects of burnout and increases your output and time-management skills.

1. Your schedule begins as soon as you wake up

Before you start checking things off your to-do list, set the right tone for your day. What you do first thing in the morning can either supercharge your day or break it, so make a habit of creating a morning ritual that sets you up for success.

This could be as simple as setting aside time to savor your breakfast and making your bed in the morning; these small things go a long way in making you feel like you’ve started your day with an accomplishment, pushing you to achieve more.

2. Consider time-management apps and online scheduling

Image Source

Crafting an effective schedule is about personalization, so it’s key to find a scheduling or time-management method that works for you. You might find you’re a fan of the old-fashioned to-do list, whereas others prefer a more modern take on scheduling.

If you’re a visual learner, it could be useful to give time-management apps or online scheduling a go. This saves time by providing you with a rough template so you can tackle your tasks quicker.

Though popular, consider alternatives to Trello and standard weekly scheduling templates by looking at gamified time-management apps. You might find the added element of gaming and instant gratification gives you the push to achieve tasks and improve your organization.

3. Schedule in time for meaningful breaks

It may be a given, but don’t underestimate the importance of stepping back from your work. Though tackling tasks is vital, the less time you take out to recharge, the higher your risk of burnout. This is especially important if you work from home, so reduce your screentime and build time away from your laptop to focus on refreshing and resetting your mind.

Rather than completely zoning out on your break, make a point of doing activities that de-stress you. This could be as simple as going for a walk, doing a short burst of exercise to get your body moving, or practicing meditation. The key is to find something you enjoy that alleviates stress and gets your mind off work for a while.

4. Eat that frog

Image Source

Originally penned by Mark Twain and later used as the inspiration behind Brian Tracy’s productivity book, ‘eat that frog’ has become a popular time-management hack. Taking real frogs out of the picture, Twain and Tracy’s line of thinking focuses on tackling the biggest (and most dreaded) task first.

This means getting on top of that all-important deadline and doing it first thing in the morning or getting your 5k run in before work starts – a tough hack to follow, but it’s great for boosting productivity and improving discipline.

Once that all-important task is completed you can move onto smaller tasks to make your day more manageable. Installing a virtual assistant could speed up the process even more, helping break tasks down into bite-sized chunks and make your calendar more manageable.

5. Master prioritization

It might seem like you have an endless task list in front of you, but it’s key you master the art of prioritization. There is always something to do in the bigger scheme of things, but you must focus your attention on the most time-critical tasks. This means prioritizing a deadline over an exercise hobby or self-funded learning course when crafting your work schedule.

It’s still important to stretch yourself and widen your knowledge with extra learning courses and activities, but make sure you tackle the most important tasks first. Efficient time management will help you concentrate on those activities more, decluttering your mind of any deadlines or time-critical tasks that are pressing on you.

6. Automate manual tasks

Part of the secret behind crafting an effective work schedule is figuring out which tasks you can let go of. Perhaps you spend most of your time sending emails or transferring calls instead of focusing on the more important tasks at hand. The solution? Automation!

Whether you’re an employee or a managing director, consider installing some kind of automated software onto your laptop to complete manual tasks and free up your time to focus on what matters. You could have a look at some PaaS examples to get a better idea of what kind of cloud software to use to manage business applications more efficiently.

As an employee, it might be useful to bring this idea to upper management if it’s not already been covered – make sure to emphasize how it will increase levels of productivity and quality of work across the team.

Automating manual tasks is especially important if you’re part of a customer service team, so make sure upper management is aware of how calls can be better handled, including both outbound and inbound. This might mean an overall better understanding of the call system needs to be developed, so consider drafting a handbook that anyone can refer to.

Useful information would include:

Outbound call meaning
Inbound call meaning
How to find the best conference call service provider
How the call system operates from both the client and call rep’s POV

The takeaway

Image Source

It’s clear that an effective and well-managed schedule boosts productivity and alleviates stress, leading to better quality work and reduced burnout. At a time when remote work reigns supreme, it’s more important than ever that employers start looking at ways they can promote productivity among their staff.

If you’re part of upper management, regularly hold video meetings to catch up with your team’s progress and check-in on their wellbeing and levels of stress. Compare different video and collaboration platforms such as Glip vs. Workplace, picking the option that works best for your team, and suggest ideas and tools they can use to better manage their time.

15 Ways to Win More Customers for Your Landscaping Business

BOOKAFY BLOG 15 Ways to Win More Customers for Your Landscaping Business IN THIS POST Operating a landscape business necessitates a commitment to delivering exceptional service, as this is essential

How Text-Based Communication Is Changing Appointment Booking for Hard-of-Hearing Business Owners

BOOKAFY BLOG How Text-Based Communication Is Changing Appointment Booking for Hard-of-Hearing Business Owners IN THIS POST Traditional phone calls have long been challenging for hard-of-hearing business owners, creating friction where

SEO Beyond Keywords: How Technological Advancements Are Changing Search Engine Rankings

BOOKAFY BLOG SEO Beyond Keywords: How Technological Advancements Are Changing Search Engine Rankings IN THIS POST The search engine optimization (SEO) landscape continues to evolve rapidly. We may have started

How Modern Invoice Generators Save Small Businesses 5+ Hours Weekly

BOOKAFY BLOG How Modern Invoice Generators Save Small Businesses 5+ Hours Weekly IN THIS POST Small business owners often find themselves wearing many hats — from sales and marketing to

5 Tools You Must Have To Market Your Business Offline

BOOKAFY BLOG 5 Tools You Must Have To Market Your Business Offline IN THIS POST Marketing your business offline might sound old-school, but it is still one of the most

How to Help Prospects Avoid Ghosting You

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Help Prospects Avoid Ghosting You IN THIS POST Ghosting is not a new thing. It has always existed in different aspects of life. However, it got

How Automated Scheduling Improves Due Diligence in Private Equity Transactions

BOOKAFY BLOG How Automated Scheduling Improves Due Diligence in Private Equity Transactions IN THIS POST Due diligence is a vital step in private equity transactions. Investors thoroughly examine potential target

Tips for Scaling Small Venture Effectively

Smart Expansion: Key Tips for Scaling Your Small Venture Effectively

BOOKAFY BLOG Smart Expansion: Key Tips for Scaling Your Small Venture Effectively IN THIS POST The process of growing a small business often comes with both excitement and fear. Just

What is a SaaS Agency and How Do They Set Themselves Apart From Fellow SaaS Competitors?

BOOKAFY BLOG What is a SaaS Agency and How Do They Set Themselves Apart From Fellow SaaS Competitors? IN THIS POST The world of Software as a Service (SaaS) has

How OpenAI API Integration Services Drive AI Implementation Across Industries

BOOKAFY BLOG How OpenAI API Integration Services Drive AI Implementation Across Industries IN THIS POST The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries, driving innovation, efficiency, and new opportunities

The Future of Appointment Scheduling: Leveraging Technology for Business Growth

BOOKAFY BLOG The Future of Appointment Scheduling: Leveraging Technology for Business Growth IN THIS POST Effortless appointment scheduling has become a key driver of success for businesses in a customer-focused

Employee Recognition Trends: Make Your Program Stand Out in 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG Employee Recognition Trends: Make Your Program Stand Out in 2025 IN THIS POST Want to build a company culture where employees are motivated, engaged, and excited to contribute

The Benefits of Calendar Syncing Between CRM and Booking Apps

BOOKAFY BLOG The Benefits of Calendar Syncing Between CRM and Booking Apps IN THIS POST The harmonious integration of client interaction systems with appointment tools is more than a mere

Appointment Links for Social Media Marketing

Why Appointment Links Are Essential for Social Media Marketing

BOOKAFY BLOG Why Appointment Links Are Essential for Social Media Marketing IN THIS POST In today’s digital age, social media is like a magic wand — it lets businesses build

Mobile Scheduling Apps For Field Sales Teams

The Impact of Mobile Scheduling Apps on Field Sales Teams

BOOKAFY BLOG The Impact of Mobile Scheduling Apps on Field Sales Teams IN THIS POST A sales rep typically spends only 39% of their time interacting with prospects. The rest

How To Effectively Manage Employee Performance For Growth And Success

BOOKAFY BLOG How To Effectively Manage Employee Performance For Growth And Success IN THIS POST It’s no mystery that happy, engaged, and high-performing employees can directly contribute to the growth

How to Craft a Work Schedule to Avoid Burnout | Bookafy

SEO for Beginners: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs Looking to Establish Online Success

BOOKAFY BLOG SEO for Beginners: Basic Hacks for Entrepreneur Success IN THIS POST SEO for Beginners: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs Looking to Establish Online Success Search engine optimization (SEO)

Reducing No-Shows Through Smart Booking Systems

BOOKAFY BLOG Reducing No-Shows Through Smart Booking Systems IN THIS POST Smart scheduling software is revolutionizing how businesses manage appointments. It not only minimizes absences, but also boosts operational efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Business Practices Through Efficient Appointment Scheduling

BOOKAFY BLOG Eco-Friendly Business Practices Through Efficient Appointment Scheduling IN THIS POST Effective booking management is crucial not only for maintaining organizational processes, but also for promoting green practices. By

Company Growth Management: Trends in Recruiting and Employee Onboarding for 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG Company Growth Management: Trends in Recruiting and Employee Onboarding for 2025 IN THIS POST As businesses gear up for 2025, managing growth effectively requires focusing on the most

AI In Cybersecurity In 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG AI In Cybersecurity In 2025 IN THIS POST Technology is evolving faster than ever, and with it comes an increased need for better security in the digital world.

Common QA Testing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

BOOKAFY BLOG Common QA Testing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them IN THIS POST Quality assurance (QA) testing is crucial to ensure that software performs as expected. It helps to

Blockchain for Secure Appointment Scheduling

Leveraging Blockchain for Secure and Transparent Appointment Scheduling

BOOKAFY BLOG Leveraging Blockchain for Secure and Transparent Appointment Scheduling IN THIS POST Today, people are looking for the most convenient way to manage their schedules. They want to make

Outsourcing Non-Core Activities: Determining What’s Best for Your Business

BOOKAFY BLOG Outsourcing Non-Core Activities: Determining What’s Best for Your Business IN THIS POST Outsourcing is a strategic move that can allow you to focus on what truly matters for

The Power of Different Digital Planner Templates for Personal Use

BOOKAFY BLOG The Power of Different Digital Planner Templates for Personal Use IN THIS POST Staying organized and productive is more crucial than ever nowadays. Digital planners have emerged as

How to Start an eCommerce Business in 2025?

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Start an eCommerce Business in 2025? IN THIS POST Starting an eCommerce business in 2025 might seem challenging, but fear not-it’s easier than ever. If you

Top 5 Best Social Media Management Tools In 2024

BOOKAFY BLOG IN THIS POST Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives and a valuable marketing tool for businesses. It allows companies to connect with their

Strategic IT Outsourcing for Competitive Advantage

BOOKAFY BLOG Strategic IT Outsourcing for Competitive Advantage IN THIS POST You’re sitting in your office, looking over your business’s IT infrastructure, and you can feel that familiar weight settling

Optimize Your Business With Technology Management Solutions

BOOKAFY BLOG Optimize Your Business With Technology Management Solutions IN THIS POST Are you ready to future proof your business? To stay ahead, businesses need to keep up with new

How to Maximize Productivity With Service Booking Tools

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Maximize Productivity With Service Booking Tools IN THIS POST Are you tired of juggling endless appointments and managing client requests manually? Well, many service-based professionals, from

How To Create A Customized Appointment Scheduling System

BOOKAFY BLOG How To Create A Customized Appointment Scheduling System IN THIS POST Imagine juggling dozens of appointments manually—keeping track of who’s coming, who’s canceled, and whether or not your

Service Desk vs. Help Desk: What’s the Difference?

BOOKAFY BLOG Service Desk vs. Help Desk: What’s the Difference? IN THIS POST The terms, service desk and help desk, are often used interchangeably in the world of customer service.

Effective Offline Marketing Ideas for Startups in 2024

Effective Offline Marketing Ideas for Startups in 2024 There are so many things that go into startups. You need to make sure you have the right team, figure out a

Maximizing Business Efficiency With Right Scheduling Software

Maximizing Business Efficiency: Choosing and Implementing the Right Scheduling Software

BOOKAFY BLOG Maximizing Business Efficiency: Choosing and Implementing the Right Scheduling Software IN THIS POST Efficient time management is crucial for success in any fast-paced business environment. Scheduling software has

How Social Media Platforms Harvest and Use Your Personal Data

BOOKAFY BLOG How Social Media Platforms Harvest and Use Your Personal Data IN THIS POST Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok have become deeply embedded in our

How to Book a Professional Floor Coating Service: a Step-by-Step Guide

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Book a Professional Floor Coating Service: a Step-by-Step Guide IN THIS POST Floor coatings are a great way to protect and enrich the look of your

Automating the Invoicing Process with Streamlined Software Solutions

BOOKAFY BLOG Automating the Invoicing Process with Streamlined Software Solutions IN THIS POST With streamlined software solutions, you can transform your accounts payable department by automating tasks such as data

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Customer Scheduling Experiences

BOOKAFY BLOG Leveraging AI for Enhanced Customer Scheduling Experiences IN THIS POST Positive customer experience is the core of any business success. It’s especially important when it comes to scheduling

What Is SaaS Marketing? 5 Tips to Do It Effectively

BOOKAFY BLOG What Is SaaS Marketing? 5 Tips to Do It Effectively IN THIS POST Right from 2010, the SaaS business model has been snowballing. Experts predict that by the

5 Critical Scheduling Tips For Keeping Your Transport Business On Track

BOOKAFY BLOG IN THIS POST Keeping a transport business on-schedule is no longer reliant solely on pen, paper and person-to-person communication. We’re in a time of digitization, automation and ever-increasing

Smart Branding: How AI Tools Are Changing The Game

Got a brilliant SaaS product idea? You’re already on the path to creating a potentially ground-breaking solution! But what’s next? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of transforming your SaaS product idea into a reality. So, fasten your seat belts as we navigate the exciting journey of SaaS product development together!

5 Marketing Practices You’re Ignoring That Could Grow Your Small Business

Effective Digital Solutions For Link Building: Maximizing Outsourcing And Security Best Practices

How To Create An Effective Business Budget: A Step-By-Step Guide

What Businesses Need To Know About Quantum Threats

Top Management and Productivity Tools for Remote Teams

How To Build A Service Business From Scratch?

Top 12 Productivity Apps for 2025

If you run a business online, you’ve probably heard the term “search engine optimization” — or SEO — being kicked around.

This is an area of digital marketing that involves creating content, targeting keywords, building links, and more to climb the search engine results pages (SERPs) for queries relating to your business.