Hardworking professionals around the world are logging more hours than ever before. And at the same time, when adjusted for inflation, most earn less than ever.
It’s no surprise, then, that work-related burnout is on the rise. While the signs and symptoms of professional burnout vary from person to person, common features include a sudden sense of exhaustion, an inability to focus on tasks, and an utter sense of total defeat with no end in sight.
Given the undesirable nature of work-related burnout, those who suspect they’re headed toward that outcome need to do whatever it takes to prevent it from happening. With this in mind, let’s take a look at seven steps that hardworking professionals can take to avoid work-related burnout:
Speak with a therapist
Having someone to talk to about stress and anxiety can be a game-changer for those facing the possibility of professional burnout. Rather than vent your concerns onto your romantic partner at the end of the day, consider scheduling a session with a licensed therapist. Thanks to services like Talkspace, it’s never been easier for individuals to get the professional help they need. Doing so may reveal aspects of work-related stress you’ve not yet considered and provide solutions for preventing burnout.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Many hardworking professionals turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with work-related stress and anxiety. While it may seem to help in the short term, relying on drugs and alcohol is guaranteed to do more harm than good over time. If you find yourself turning to substances to stave off burnout, it’s time to get help. Outpatient alcohol and drug rehab in San Francisco and other major cities remains the most effective way for working professionals to treat and beat their dependence. With this in mind, consider outpatient rehab as a way to stop relying on drugs and alcohol without increasing the risk of professional burnout.
Prioritize work-life balance
“Work-life balance” is one of those buzz phrases that get tossed around to the point of losing its meaning. But the reality is that work-life balance is crucial to preventing professional burnout. Simply put, work-life balance comes down to devising a healthy approach to your weekly schedule so that your workplace obligations don’t wholly dominate every hour of your waking life. Not only does it mean spending more time with loved ones and doing the things you want to do, but it also limits the amount of time you spend focused on work, ultimately leading to a reduced chance of burnout.
Be candid with coworkers
Most professionals make a point to appear perfect at work. They’re unable and unwilling to admit when they’re overwhelmed and encumbered with mounting assignments and neverending requests. Rather than allow that to reach a point where you eventually snap from the stress, start being more honest with managers and coworkers about how you feel. If the folder your boss plunks onto your desk adds too much to your current workload, speak up and let them know you’ve got your hands full. Discuss possible solutions with them to be as proactive as possible without agreeing to take on more tasks than you have time to realistically fulfill.
Devise practical solutions
As mentioned in the previous section, nobody wants to admit they can’t get the job done. At the same time, nobody wants to end up experiencing work-related burnout. The solution is to work with supervisors and coworkers to devise practical solutions going forward. For instance, you might be overloaded with assignments because you’re the only person your manager trusts to get it done right. In this case, you could offer to train someone else to do the work when you’re too busy.
Take time off
Modern workplace culture has led to a bizarre phenomenon where refusing to use your paid time off is some sort of badge of honor. But that honor won’t mean much if you’re suddenly struck by a severe case of professional burnout. With this in mind, put that PTO to use! Take a few days off to reset yourself in terms of energy and motivation. That way, you aren’t constantly running out of one or both during the work week.
Have something to look forward to
It’s hard to stay motivated at work if that’s all you have going on in your life. Sooner or later, whether you realize it or not, the lack of something bigger will lead you to wonder what the point of working so hard is. With this in mind, I have something to look forward to. It can be an upcoming vacation, a hobby or activity, or simply spending time with family when the day is done. Doing so keeps you grounded and sane when times get tough.
Work-related burnout is becoming increasingly common. Rather than turn a blind eye to the possibility of it happening to you, take steps to prevent professional burnout. Doing so will reduce the chances of work-related stress and anxiety from getting the best of you.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys writing about business, finance, health, and travel.
