How to Stop Feeling Burned Out at Work
According to the Mayo Clinic, “burnout” is not a medical condition. However, few experts would deny that it exists, particularly in our workplaces. The feelings of cynicism, exhaustion, lack of motivation, and poor concentration are just the beginning. Many people find being burned out causes inadequate sleep and unhealthy eating habits. There are ways you can recover from this feeling of burnout, or prevent it from happening.
1. Identify Your Strengths
One of the main causes of being burned out is doing things you may not be good at, don’t have the straights or skills for, or that you just don’t have any passion for. According to a study by Gallup, employees are 57 percent less likely to have feelings of burnout if they can use their personal strengths on the job. Take a few moments to identify your talents, then try to engage those at work.
2. Prioritize Your Tasks
Generally just feeling overwhelmed is a common, and burnout-inducing, condition. Take 5-10 minutes every day to list your to-do items. Determine what’s a priority and what can wait. That way, every part of your day will have some order. When you receive an email about a non-essential task, you know you don’t have to take care of it immediately.
3. Switch Up Your Routine
If you are doing the same thing day after day, your feelings of being burned out can increase. You can break the cycle of feeling down about your job by making small changes to your routine. Take a new route to work or reorganize your workspace. Use a standing desk for a little while to see how a new point of view can literally give you a new perspective.
4. Take Your Breaks
It’s an unfortunate truth that work never ends. There is always something that needs to be done. That doesn’t mean you have to be the one to do it, or do it right away. By remembering to take your lunch—and your vacation days—you get essential time to recharge. Even just a walk to the water cooler will help refresh your mind. By taking regular breaks, you’ll not only feel less burnt out, but your work productivity should actually increase because you have more energy.
5. Manage Your Health
Burnout can lead to feelings of depression, lack of focus, and reduced enthusiasm. It’s very easy to fall into poor eating and sleeping habits as a result. This can make the feelings even worse. Make it a point to take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise — even if it’s just a stroll around the block.
6. Communicate Your Feelings
You deserve to be heard. If you’re feeling burned out, reach out to support systems. Tell your family and close friends what you are going through and ask for support. This act of reaching out may lead to necessary connection. Friendships at work can be helpful too, providing you with a support network and social outlet. Limit your contact with negative people. You can also speak with a therapist or counsellor to get the assistance you need.
7. Make a Career Change
Burnout may be a sign of a deeper issue. One may be that you are in the wrong workplace for your optimal wellbeing. Speak to friends, mentors, or career advisors about the possibilities to find a new job or vocational path. Thinking that you can take this step may be enough to make you feel less burned out.
Your wellbeing at work is important in order to have a healthy, happy life. You can take steps to relieve burnout. Whether it’s making small changes or big shifts in your career path, you can make a difference for yourself.
Have you experienced burnout at work? Comment below or email us at [email protected].
