Learning How To Cope With Burn-Out

Guest commentator: Katie Hagan, Marketing Strategy Manager, Results Repeat 

It goes without saying that two years into the pandemic the Great Resignation has had a shockwave-like effect across industries. The pandemic has led many to re-evaluate workplace values and pursue more fulfilling careers or employers. Due to this, turnover rates are higher than ever, leaving many organizations understaffed, and what remains of the teams are left to fill the gaps.

As a result of all these factors—discontentment, pandemic fatigue, and feeling overworked while oftentimes undervalued—people are burning out at an alarming rate. If you’re someone experiencing burn-out or on the verge of burning out, there are three critical things you can do to reduce and further avoid more harm to yourself.

Acknowledge When There’s Too Much On Your Plate

First, it’s important to acknowledge when there’s too much on your plate and that something should be done about it. Take inventory of all your priorities, assignments, and deadlines. This next part can be difficult. What can be delegated? What could be done better as a team? What could be extended? There comes a time when you should ask for help, re-adjust timelines, and even create boundaries around how much you can take on at once. If you’re in a junior role, seeking out a meeting with your manager to discuss workload concerns can prove helpful. Being honest in your social life about what you’re willing to take on is useful as well. You can do anything, but you cannot do everything ­- at least not all at once.

Learn to Handle Your Emotions

Second, learn to handle the emotions that come with an ever-growing, overwhelming to-do list. Even after you have gotten some of your tasks re-assigned or deadlines extended, the emotions that came with that stress in the first place don’t always melt away. If we don’t fully experience our emotions, they’ll continue to be buried within us, fueling the fire that will eventually burn us out.

Many will say that exercise should do the trick. It is true that exercise is a critical component of coping with stress. Although exercise can help our emotions, it will not eliminate our problems. Alongside finding refuge in fitness, it’s also recommended that you talk to someone about what has troubled you in the workplace as well. Speaking to a mental health professional about your workplace and personal stress will provide you with the tools you’ll need to reduce and avoid further burnout. Plus, it will give you a safe place to process and experience your emotions.

Consider New Opportunities

This third and last step I only recommend taking if you’re experiencing burn-out and the first two steps above don’t prove to change your circumstances.

If you’re unsuccessful in relieving your workload, if you’re feeling unheard about your unhappiness and stress, and if a medical professional confirms these circumstances are not good for your health, then consider this: maybe it is time to finally consider a new position, employer, or career. I encourage you to seek out a rewarding opportunity that will help relieve the burnout so you are able to shine again. It might not feel like it right now, but I promise you, you will shine again.