Preventing Burnout - A Balancing Act
Hidden in plain sight
Success often comes at a cost, usually our health, but we seldom see it coming. We live and work in a “chase” cycle of always wanting more, thinking we just need to do just that little bit extra and somehow that small additional thing will make all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, the reality is that when we do that little more, we usually end up adding yet another thing to it with no real end in sight.
Burnout tends to happen slowly and we rarely see it creeping up on us. We tend to allow it to occur. In this digital world, we only see the highlights of other people's lives and this creates a distorted perception of what we think is happening to others. We compare their edited life to our everyday life and become discouraged somehow thinking we are not enough, hence entering that chase cycle all over again.
At work, people are encouraged to eat at their desks and to always stay connected. Instead, a simple walk around the block or sitting outdoors can break the cycle and allow us to breathe and connect to ourselves, rejuvenating both the mind and the body. In fact, having a break and some time away is what allows us to become more productive.
The role we play
As an employer, we not only have a duty of care to our employees, but we have an obligation to ensure that we show our people that we value them. This is why we need to encourage our staff to take breaks, to go home when they are unwell, and to ensure that whilst they are away we all step in to help so that when they do come back they don’t feel that extra burden to play catch up. It is about “showing” not telling, and there is a significant difference between the two. When we model behaviours that we want to see, we give people permission to do the same. You need to model your expectations and behave as you want others to.
The same applies to presenteeism, being at work for the sake of showing up is not okay. If you are present, be effective, don’t stay behind just to show that you are still there. If your staff are tired there is no point in stretching them to stay and finish something. Not only will the quality of the work suffer, but that is also how we push them to burn out. They are better off going home, resting, and coming back refreshed. It is our role to set realistic expectations and to provide the support that they need to succeed.
Tip #1: What brings you joy?
When I use the term “balance” it will mean something different to each person, so let’s make this clear. For me, balancing life and work is about choice. For someone else, it might mean working only 3 days and for others, it may be working from home or the beach.
Taking the time to better understand what will prevent burnout for you is fundamental. The best way to do this is by knowing what brings you joy and then understanding how much of that you need to feel like you are valuing yourself. Once you have figured that out, you can make sure you allow yourself the opportunity to do what brings you the right level of joy that makes you feel like you have balance in your life.
The fact is, when you have reached the burnout stage, the first thing that is tossed to the side is “joy” so we need to bring it back and make sure it is a steady fixture in our lives. Start by recognising when it begins to dwindle away so you can keep an eye on it and prevent burnout from happening.
Tip #2: Know your boundaries
Without healthy boundaries, we will constantly be in a “tug of war” situation. We will always feel obligated to do that little bit more and, let’s face it, say “yes” to everything that comes our way. Now I am not suggesting that you stop saying yes, but you need to know if you are saying yes to the right things, things that will serve you and fit within your boundaries, or if you are stretching yourself again and steering back down that “burnout road”
There is so much more to knowing your boundaries than preventing burnout, but it is a key part of ensuring you become accountable for how you behave and how you contribute to your own outcome just as much as that of those around you. Boundaries also have a part to play with values and respect so beginning to be more conscious of your choices and the limits that you can set will help prevent burnout.
Tip #3: Digging Deep
The truth is not always easy to see or accept but, when we dig deep, we all know where our truth lies. Being honest with yourself will not only help you become aware of your own contributions to the burnout you are experiencing, but it will also help prevent it from happening again.
Becoming awake and intentionally conscious of your choices is a way of life and the combination of creating the impact you want for yourself and for those around you. You can make a choice to step forward. You have the choice to be consistent, the steps might be small but they need to take you towards where you truly want to be.
Set the path and commit to yourself to where you want to be.
Fear is an emotion that is real for us all
Fear sits within each of us and people believe that is what usually holds us back. In reality, what holds us back is the lack of clarity around where to start. Today, you have crossed my path for a reason and you are given the opportunity. Either as an employer who genuinely cares or as an individual who is choosing to value themselves and to take action in both turning things around and in valuing who they choose to be.
Burnout can be prevented and we can make changes that will serve us but first, we need to invest in ourselves and in our people.
I have shared a few tips with you in this post but to take action and to step forward you need to invest in yourself, You can do so by registering for one of my programs where you will learn strategies and tactics to prevent burnout as well as a workbook that you can use to develop new skills and techniques that will help you to bring about the changes that you want for yourself.
Sometimes it's in the “Unlearning” that you can begin to learn how to better serve yourself or better still those around you.