If you’re already feeling burned out or trying to avoid it, there are strategies you can use to refuel yourself with energy and purpose.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as an emotional exhaustion and cynicism that causes a feeling of loss of effectiveness.
1. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is the practice of doing things that benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. This could include activities like taking a walk, getting a massage, eating nutritious meals, and meditating.
While there may be larger causes of burnout, taking care of yourself can help combat it and give you renewed energy and purpose in your work. Furthermore, it will improve your quality of life in the long run.
Self-care is essential, and the key to practicing it regularly. Whether that means taking a few moments each day to yourself, or dedicating some hours each week to indulge in your favorite hobby, incorporating self-care into your daily routine will make a huge difference in how you feel.
Burnout can be a devastating and debilitating experience for many people, and it’s common in workplaces. Finding ways to cope with it and find purpose in life may not be easy, but it is an integral component of living a healthy life.
2. Find Meaning in Your Work
Finding meaning in your work can help combat burnout. Burnout often occurs when people feel their jobs don’t offer much value or after spending too long without experiencing much excitement in their careers.
Finding meaning in your work can motivate and inspire you, reduce stress levels and enhance overall outlook on life.
Finding meaningful work begins by asking yourself how your job makes a difference in the world. Whether it’s aiding the homeless, feeding hungry children or fixing our planet, you can find purpose in what you do for your employer.
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your job, it may be time to consider changing careers. Even if the pay is less, taking a lower-paying job can help rekindle passion for work and prevent burnout.
3. Take Time Off
Recharging your batteries can help ease the strain you’re under and give you a chance to relax, reflect, and reclaim energy.
Recharging doesn’t need to involve spending a fortune or extra effort — you can do it simply by spending quality time with friends and family, eating nutritiously, and doing activities that bring joy into your life.
When burnout is severe, you may want to seek the assistance of a mental health professional. They can assist in recognizing the source of your stress, brainstorming potential coping mechanisms, and offering support as you strive for recovery.
Vacation time to rejuvenate can be a great opportunity to reset your work habits and start over with fresh intentions. But remember, it won’t be easy to overcome burnout without assistance from others; so be ready to take things one step at a time and be patient with yourself as you heal. It may take some effort at first, but in the end you’ll feel renewed energy and purpose when returning to your job with renewed focus.
4. Ask for Help
One of the most essential steps you can take to combat burnout and find renewed energy and purpose is asking for assistance. Unfortunately, many people struggle with this step.
People often fear asking for assistance due to fear of appearing inadequate, weak, or inferior – this belief being held even by children as young as seven according to Stanford doctoral student Kayla Good’s recent research.
Others worry about rejection, which can be humiliating and painful.
These worries and anxieties are all very human, yet they’re often exaggerated or incorrect.
Many people misunderstand how to ask for assistance. Instead of being vague or demanding, be specific. Utilizing what I refer to as SMART criteria (specific, meaningful, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound), you can make your request more successful and likely receive the assistance that you require.