Burnout, or the overwhelming feeling of mental and physical exhaustion, even affects those who typically enjoy their jobs. With the economic pressures rising and endangering our social needs and the relaxation we all seek (but never seem to have time to find), it seems we’re all exhausted.
9 tips to tackle burnout
Acknowledge that you are burnt out: mental and physical exhaustion induced by repeated pressures and stresses in your life
- Talk to your boss: sympathize with your plight and work with you on a solution
- Have a plan in place and a few options for what would help you most: remove from specific project or apply for leave of absence
Don’t be afraid to say no
When you are burnt out, it may feel difficult to make decisions due to what is happening in your brain
- The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, actually has an increase in grey and white matter when battling burnout, depression or anxiety
- This is where list-making steps in and has the capacity to be helpful in taking action and moving out of burnout and back into joyful living
Organize your desk
During your time off, devote an hour to organizing your desk and papers.
- Take time to unwind: While you are working, take frequent breaks throughout the day and slow down a little bit when you feel the need.
- Don’t work during playtime: Set boundaries and boundaries with coworkers and managers, but also with yourself.
Take some time off.
Most companies provide some sort of time off for their employees. If not, take one!
- People who take vacations are proven to have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals upon returning to work.
Know your limits
Take a couple hours every day to reflect on reasons why you are grateful for your job.
- If you are dead set on getting a new job, use this gratitude practice to notice what aspects of your current job you do enjoy, and be sure to bring those into your job hunt.
