How to Survive Workplace Burnout in 2019

As you move into the workforce, you’ll quickly discover that burnout is real. The stress of deadlines, crazy work hours, and constant problem solving can really take a toll on you. Everyone deals with burnout differently, but the ultimate goal is to not let it rob you of who you are. If you start feeling the negative effects of burnout, take a deep breath, and read these tips on how you can keep your sanity.

 

Don’t do anything stupid

Don’t abandon everything because of the burnout. You’ll feel like giving up and quitting. But, before you do so, take a second to think about the pros and cons of actually doing so. Remember, burnout is not an end all be all. It’s a moment in time and it’s possible for it to get better.

 

Tell someone

Lean on your friends. Sometimes venting can help put things into perspective. By discussing how you feel to those close to you, you’re not only going to feel a weight lifted off your shoulders, but they may also have some encouraging words for you. And if you cannot find someone to talk to about how you feel at work, write all your feelings down. You’ll feel a great sense of relief and maybe even discover something new about your situation.

 

Evaluate your workplace relationships

Don’t take work personally. At the end of the day, it’s just business. Though you may make a few lifelong friends in the workplace, you’ll also run into those not so friendly relationships that will stress you out. Evaluate your relationships to determine if certain coworkers are worth your emotional distress. If you conclude that it’s work-related, take a minute to think of a way to confront your peers calmly.

 

Reserve time for yourself

Take a vacation or staycation. There’s no harm in taking a break for yourself. Your mental health is extremely important to personal growth. You don’t have to book a trip to Europe every month. A staycation in an area within driving distance can have the same positive effects. Taking a day trip may even be more stress-free because it requires less planning.

 

Start a passion project

Do something you love so you have something to look forward to. Whether it’s building something with your hands or creating a Twitch channel, working on something you are passionate about will spark your creativity and bring some joy back into your life.

 

Change your environment

Take different routes to and from work. A change in scenery can do wonders. You’ll notice things that you didn’t know existed. Perhaps take the local route instead of the highway. The same idea goes for if you’re stuck in an office. Take a walk around whenever you have a chance. If you can, take a step outside for some fresh air.

 

Turn off notifications

Too many alerts can stress you out. It can be difficult turning off your phone completely, so consider just turning off notifications for your messages and apps. There will be less pressure to check and answer everything immediately. Instead, you have full control of what you want to give your attention to. If it’s the weekend, turn off all email and work notifications so you can fully unwind.

 

Make your job fun

Find ways to make work more interesting and fun. It’s true. Work can be boring and tiring at times. But there may be ways around that. For example, you can create small games to make work more fun like a friendly competition with your coworkers. Or you can even start a small club to discuss a topic that your coworkers mutually enjoy. Soon enough, you may even start enjoying the idea of walking into work.