Burnout is a feeling that stems from being overworked and under stress. It occurs when people feel they have no choice but to work hard and get tired of doing so. This condition can lead to physical and emotional withdrawal, which can negatively affect healthcare quality. Physicians, among other careers, are more prone to experiencing this type of burnout.
The effects of burnout are widespread. It can lead to high levels of stress and poor mental health. The factors that can contribute to burnout include job insecurity, lack of control, and increasing workload. The best way to stay healthy (mentally and physically) is to avoid burnout. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
Find Purpose
You may have thought that your career is only about making money, but do you realize that it has a deeper purpose? One step people can take to find their goal is to start looking at the more profound impact of their work. This can be done by asking yourself questions such as “What does my job do for other people?” or “What can I add to my work that’s better for myself?” If you’re not sure if your current job is for you, then try developing a career strategy that will help you find a better one.
Self Care
To maintain a healthy and balanced life, you must regularly practice good sleep habits and nourish your emotional and physical energy. In addition to these, you should also consider engaging in social connections and practicing practices that promote well-being, such as meditation and journaling. If you’re having difficulty squeezing these activities into your schedule, give yourself a week to review how you’re spending your time.
Reduce Stress
Another way to help avoid burnout is by avoiding known causes of stress. In other words, reducing the stress in your life reduces the risk of burnout. This applies to both personal and work-related stress, so do keep this in mind. This may be a challenging task, but the payoff will make it worth the effort. It’s critical to remember that these changes are part of a larger strategy to improve your health and productivity.
Take Control
If you’re struggling with burnout, you must find ways to increase your autonomy in your role. One effective way to do this is to talk to your boss about giving you more control over your projects, tasks, and deadlines. This can be a preventative measure too!