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The chances are you're suffering from 'Constant Partial Attention' syndrome right now and combined with stress, email overload, Facebook interruptions and a lack of downtime it's no surprise that so many of us are heading for burnout...

Constantly “On Demand”  

Constant Partial Attention (CPA) syndrome refers to being overwhelmed by all the data that's thrown at us daily, jumping from one unfinished task to the next and feeling busy yet unproductive. 

CPA is not wanting to miss out anything so our mobile's are always on, we're plugged in to on-line networking sites, blackberry's mean we don't miss out on emails and we're on demand 24/7.  Jeez, it's exhausting just writing about it!

It's highly likely that the gadgets you bought to make your life easier are in fact constantly interrupting you with alarms, buzzing and alerts that disrupt your thoughts, productivity and private life!

So what should you do if you're feeling constantly 'on demand' and heading for burnout?  Here are 3 key tips to get you on the road to recovery: -

1.  Chunking

This isn't a new concept but the reality is that most people don't do it.  Chunking is about focussing on completing one task at a time and avoiding all your usual distractions so that you get the job done in the most effective and productive way.  Block out a time in your diary and give that time the same respect you would a client meeting.  Turn your email alert off, put your mobile on silent, log out of Facebook and focus!  It's time to stop the distractions and get productive.

2.  Use Your Energy Wisely

If you're a morning person then plan your day so that you do your most important tasks as soon as you get into work and avoid time-consuming distractions such as email.  This is the time where you are most productive so do the work that really matters instead of wasting time on interruptions.  Similarly, if you work better in the afternoon get the 'time fillers' done as soon as you get into the office so that you're raring to go after lunch.

3.  Relax and Recharge

All too often when we're busy and overwhelmed we cancel the things that actually help reduce stress, such as meeting up with friends or going to the gym.  As Gretchen Hodgkiss from Fitspace points out, "Australians are currently working 1855 hours a year, making us the hardest working country in the western world.  In Sydney, full-time workers have an average weekly commute of just over 4 hours.  However, lack of time is no excuse for not exercising".  It's important to make a concerted effort to schedule activities that help alleviate the onset of burnout such as exercise, mini-breaks and a 2-3 week holiday at least once a year.

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