How to Combat Burnout at Work

Burnout is something anyone can fall victim to. We all have bad days at work, but when it happens consistently it’s time to make a change.

Hello Loves! I’m not sure about you all, but I have experienced some serious burnout at work. What is burnout? The World Health Organization now classifies burnout as a “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” So, if you’re consistently feeling overwhelmed by work you may be experiencing burnout. It can cause you to dread going to work every day and feel as if you’re drowning in your to-do list. Other indicators of burnout include exhaustion, lack of interest in work and suffering work performance. If you’re experiencing burnout there are a few things you can do.

Recognize when there’s too much on your plate

No one likes to be bogged down with work. If you can’t complete anything you’re working on, that’s a sign that you’re trying to do too much. You should be able to finish at least a few core tasks or projects a day. If you can’t, it’s time to ask for help. Let your manager or someone on your team know that you need support working on something so they can lean in. You’ll feel much better when you can focus on one thing and not have to worry that other work will suffer.

Keep strict business hours

I can’t stress enough how important it is to unplug once the work day is done. Of course, there will be times where you HAVE to work on something at home, but don’t make it a habit. Try your best not to respond to work emails or IMs after the day ends. If you make yourself available 24/7, work will bleed into your personal time. Ultimately, you’ll resent your job and experience burnout at work. Set boundaries and understand that almost any issue can wait until you’re back in office to address. Only make exceptions for true work emergencies.

Take time away from work

You deserve a break. Even if you don’t plan an extravagant vacation, taking time away from work can help you recharge. I try to take a vacation once a quarter to give my mind and body a break. If you’re reading this and you’ve yet to take a vacation, please do. You owe it to yourself to take a break and chase away the looming feeling of burnout. Use the time away to reassess your goals or simply relax your mind and not think about work at all for a while.

Prioritize your health and wellness

I’m no wellness guru, but I’ve seen firsthand how small habits can boost morale. When burnout hit me, I turned to fitness classes and yoga to release stress and reset. Drinking more water and eating to fuel my body gave me the energy I needed to take on the day. Something as small as a quick morning workout or midday movement—especially if your job offers fitness perks—can make a big difference.

I hope you all found these tips helpful. Experiencing burnout at work is never fun and often takes a while for us to recognize. Try to be hyper-aware of what you’re feeling regularly so that you’re able to combat burnout if it happens to you.