Beating burnout: Being a parent, it's hard to let your guard down or even relax most days. However, in order to stay productive long-term, you have to learn how to unplug. In fact, it's been proven that the more you push yourself, the less productive you become.

But here's the problem with that: there are only so many times you can push yourself to the max before you lose the ability to push yourself altogether. When you're feeling burned out, you lose your drive to be the best that you can be, and the end result is substandard work and frustrated clients.

To counteract that, you need to be sure you're taking time to work on yourself. Here are a few things to consider to help you avoid burnout and keep the same hunger that you had when you first started your current role.

1. Schedule Time for Yourself (aka "Me Time")

Most people will schedule every single project they take on, but leave no time for themselves when the day is done. That might have worked when you could truly leave a job at the office, but in today's work cycle, it's always possible for work to follow you home. If a big project comes up, such as tax season, it can be all too common to put off your interests to take care of your responsibilities.

That's not healthy, and it's not conducive to your best work. Instead of making yourself stare at numbers all day, make sure to schedule a break where you do nothing work-related whatsoever. It could be as little as taking 15 minutes twice a day to sit back and reflect on what makes you happy.

Unplugging for just that little amount of time to play a game, read a book, get some fresh air or pursue another interest can leave you feeling more refreshed and ready to take on your assignments. When you feel mentally fresh, you're going to do your best work.

2. Get Proper Rest

Did you know that Albert Einstein got about 10 hours of sleep every night? You're probably not doing quantum physics, but sleep is directly related to your brain's ability to perform any task.

Sounds like a no-brainer until you realize that half of Americans don't get enough sleep.

Unless you're on a non-standard shift schedule, regularly staying up until 1 a.m. to work is a quick way to burn yourself out. When your body doesn't get the sleep it needs for one night, you feel sluggish and might have trouble concentrating on tasks. When it happens consistently, your mental state can become a mess from top to bottom, leading you to feel overwhelmed.

*Fun fact: Many cats sleep for 20 hours a day!

3. Actually Use Your Vacation Days

We Americans don't use our vacation days very well as it is. We already consistently let our days sit unused, even when companies encourage their workers to take time off. So when you do use your time off, what sense does it make to keep working through your vacation? That's not a vacation at all, and it's not going to lead to a more productive you.

A vacation should mean a total vacation from the office. That means putting up an out-of-office message and severing all contacts to the office until you return from your trip. Unless your company goes out of business while you’re away, anything that your co-workers have to say about the job can wait until you come home and return to the office.

There's another reason to enjoy your vacations when you take them: they're a chance to work on your home life. If you're married or in a serious relationship, but you're both constantly working, you're on a path toward becoming strangers with the person who matters most to you. A vacation is a chance for you to reconnect with the people you care about, the ones who are going to be there for you when your current job is but a memory.

4. Follow a routine

The word “routine” always had a negative connotation to me, especially with work. (not to mention in a marriage!) But, it turns out that having routines is really good for your mind. Also, you’re likely to be much more productive because having a schedule means you block out certain times of the day to accomplish tasks.

The most important reason to have a routine is that you’re taking control of your day and being proactive instead of reactive. It’s a totally different perspective, and really empowering!

Consider starting every work day with a checklist, and be sure to check tasks as you complete them. You’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed or procrastinate, and you’ll be able to actually see your progress throughout the day.

Also, if you can, incorporate little rituals throughout the week. Establish a time each day to exercise, take a walk, meditate, or even take a bath. I love my routine of walking our dog, and winding down with my 9pm cup of tea.

Can you think of a couple of rituals to add to your daily routine? Your brain will love it!

Death & taxes might be unavoidable, but burnout certainly is.

There's no doubting the fact that your job is important. Of course your career matters, and the people you work with are counting on you to provide your best for them. But you're at your best when you take the time to be the best person you can be.

Plus, if you're like most Americans, you're going to have several different jobs in your career. You've only got one body and one mind, and if you don't take the time to take care of them, you're not going to be in position to take care of the career you want.