"How does one properly enjoy downtime?"

Where do you see yourself in this picture?  Are you in the kayak with your dog?  Are you watching from your deck, enjoying your preferred beverage, enjoying the beauty?  Are you wishing you could be anywhere but where you are now?

I have dealt with burnout in the past, and am dealing with it on my own terms now.  Each of us needs to do what it takes to help with this.

First, I attempt to always have something to look forward to.  This was encouraged by one of my doctors who dealt with issues of chronic pain with his patients.  This makes some of the things we "have to do", easier to face.

Second, I limit the amount of decisions I need to make in any given work day.  Decision fatigue can be insurmountable.  This is made easier by having my uniforms completely ready for my run of days.  I premake any food, meals, snacks I am taking with me.  This is more challenging for me, but I do it to help maintain a healthy diet also.

Third, I have a routine.  I follow my routine.  Part of this routine is to take 5 minutes every 90-120 minutes to just sit, look at my tasks and figure out what needs to be done.  I am constantly having to evaluate and re-prioritize, but this allows my brain and feet a rest as I write it down.

Fourth, my "brain", the worksheet that I use, is maximized after over 30 years, to allow me to function.  I change it regularly when I see something a coworker is doing to make work easier.  

Other ideas I have seen from fellow coworkers. Exercise regularly.  Enjoy the outdoors.  Plan an adventure.  Julia Cameron in "The Artist's Way at Work" advises taking artist dates.  We are all creative,  do what makes you forget time and troubles.  Music, art, fabric, mountains, lakes, oceans, fill in the blank. I am writing this in answer to one person's question.  

So, something to look forward to.  Something fun every day.  Music.  Books on tape for your commute.  A little rebellion, pink ink, purple hair?  Laughter when you can.  

What are you looking forward to?  What did you do for fun today?  Have you planned your clothing/food for the next few days?