25 Nov Burned Out? Here’s What to Do Next
Job burnout can happen to anyone and at any time. It is a type of job-related stress that makes you physically and mentally exhausted. It reduces your motivation and makes it challenging to give 100% to each of your job-related tasks.
When you begin to feel burned out, what should you do? What steps can prevent you from making decisions that you may later regret? Here are five ideas.
1. Determine What is Causing You to Feel Job Burnout
Feeling burned out can happen for a number of reasons. A few common causes include:
- Unclear or too high of job expectations from management or yourself
- A lack of control in the workplace
- Too much on your plate without any sort of downtime
- Work-life imbalance
- Poor time management
- Little to no support from family
Your burnout can result from one factor or it could be a combination of multiple influences. Once you have determined your cause(s), you can create a plan to improve that specific aspect of your employment.
2. Take a Break
When was the last time you took a vacation? Getting away from all the stress at work for a few days is a great way to recharge your mind and body. Studies show that regular vacations are proven to reduce stress levels, increase productivity, and improve your mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, 50% of American employees do not take advantage of their vacation days.
3. Remind Yourself of Why You Love Your Job
Sometimes you may need a different perspective when it comes to your job. Sit down and create a list of all the reasons why you love your job, aspects of your employment that you enjoy, things that you have learned, etc. Try to be as honest with yourself as much as possible. If you truly are not happy in your current position, it may be time to consider a career transition.
4. Talk to Your Supervisor
If you are feeling burned out because you have been buried in work and are overworked or your stress levels are too high, schedule a meeting with your supervisor. Tell him or her how you are feeling. With your manager on your side, you will be able to create a plan to help you better manage the workload. He or she may not realize the amount of work they are giving you as well.
Remember that the only way change will happen in the workforce is if you speak up.
5. Take Care of Yourself
If you want to feel good at work, better manage your stress, have the energy to complete your work, and increase your productivity, you must take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make daily exercise a priority and eat a well-balanced diet. You must also get the recommended hours of sleep each night and give yourself time each day to focus on hobbies or people that you love.
Job burnout is real and can happen at any time and to anyone. Take control before you make a decision that you may later regret.
