Extinguishing Your Burnout
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - Joe Kiedinger
Burnout, a state of emotional, mental and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress, is on the rise.
So, let’s talk about what we can do in our own lives to prevent it and do away with it if it’s already set its grip on us.
According to Dr. Lucy M. McBride, MD in The Atlantic, “Taking charge of our own lives. . . can restore our sense of agency and self-determination. Reassessing and simplifying our home life, work and relationships can be a good place to start. With limited space in our schedules and brains, we must populate our calendars with intention. Setting realistic expectations for ourselves, erecting boundaries and asking for support are some of the ways to find calm amid chaos. We need to acknowledge the toll of constant vigilance and hold ourselves accountable for what we feed our eyeballs and brains.”
Some common ways to reduce stress and lessen the burden of burnout are:
- Share what you are going through with trusted family and friends.
- Speak with your manager about your feelings and try to work out acceptable work-life boundaries. Agree to set reasonable, achievable goals.
- Step away from the computer. Take some short breaks during the day to clear your head.
- Go on long walks, exercise, ride a bike, jog, play a sport or do yoga.
- Make sure to go outside to absorb sunlight and fresh air.
- Take up hobbies.
- Ask for a few mental health days off from work.
- Make vacation plans.
- Meditate, practice mindfulness and do some deep breathing exercises.
- Improve your diet and get a good night’s sleep.
- If you continue having challenges, seek out help from a professional.
Not sure where to start? Why not choose something small and achievable? Your success will motivate you to keep at it.
JOE KIEDINGER
ACTION PLAN: Burned out? Take an hour to yourself over lunch to sit and list out what’s causing your stress and decide what small step you can take today to begin putting out the fire.