Last blog we went over what burnout is and how to know if you are experiencing it.
Today we are going to go over 8 steps you can take so that you can avoid burning out entirely! These are the things that are going to make you feel better and more like yourself again.
Burnout isn’t just a sign you need a vacation, it’s a psychological response to consistent stressors. Here’s how to manage things:
1. Clarify Your Expectations
What are you looking to accomplish? Do you need to take a step to make your career more fulfilling? Would you be happier in a lesser paying position with another firm that is more in tune with your skill set? Decide what is important to you and what you need in life to feel fulfilled and happy and then start the process of going after it. That will make the position you are in currently that much more bearable because you are taking the steps to move toward what truly motivates you and brings you joy.
2. Learn How to Communicate Better
A dysfunctional office dynamic is one of the leading causes of burnout, and issues with a superior are the most stressful. Learning how to communicate your needs better is going to help you to put things in perspective and know what you need to do to make this position what you need it to be, or help you to clearly know what you DON’T want to do so you can search for a new opportunity that is a better fit.
3. It’s Okay to Say No
By trying to be everything to everyone and you are always working to your max which puts you at extreme risk for burnout. Additionally, the worst thing you can do is overpromise and under-deliver. You can gracefully decline requests that you know you can’t handle or don’t want to handle.
4. Quit Comparing Yourself
We all have that one friend or family member who seems to have three months of vacation time, money to spend traveling and the big house with a housekeeper. That’s nice. But stop comparing your life to theirs. While healthy comparisons can help you determine exactly what your goals are, trying to keep up with the “Jones” will ruin your finances and your happiness as you endlessly try to follow in their footsteps or one up them.
5. Take Your Vacation Days
Americans will give up roughly 226 million vacation days this year. Don’t be one of them. One report found that 48% of workers felt happier and more positive about their workplaces after taking a vacation. Keep yourself going by taking the down time you deserve to recharge.
6. Develop Interests and Hobbies
What do you enjoy? If you can’t think of anything or if you can’t remember the last time you did what comes to mind you need to change up your priorities a bit. Devoting time to your interests and hobbies will make you happier and well-rounded.
7. Take Breaks
Take time to recharge each day. Take a walk to clear your head and get some exercise, or ask a co-worker to join you for coffee at a local coffee shop. Science shows that establishing positive relationships at the office will make you happier and help you live longer.
8. Evaluate Your Career Path
Take time to consider your career. Have your values changed? Have your employers values changed? Are you being sufficiently challenged or are you feeling overwhelmed with more on your plate than you can handle?
Ask yourself these questions and really consider you answers to help you figure out the next step that’s right for you and your goals.
