If you have been following my posts, you know what burnout is and what can cause it. If this is your first visit, check out my other posts: 5 Key Factors That Can Cause Burnout In The Workplace and How To Recognize Caregiver’s Burnout.
It is important to know the potential causes of burnout as well as how to recognize the symptoms of burnout so we can protect against it. That being said, we may not always be able to stop burnout before it happens. Knowing how you can help yourself once you are in a state of burnout will benefit you in the long run. However, it is worth noting that many of the symptoms of burnout can be caused by other medical or mental issues. Make sure to check with a medical professional to rule out other causes.
It is said that it can take anywhere from months to years to fully recover from burnout. The following list is by no means exhaustive rather it is meant to be a starting point for anyone just beginning to deal with their burnout. Now, let’s get into the 5 ways to recover from burnout.
1. Be Truthful With Yourself
We have all been there. We think that we should be able to handle everything that life throws at us. If we are struggling then we are not trying hard enough. Be honest with yourself. Admitting that you are in a state of burnout is just as important as knowing what the signs are. If you deny that you are in trouble, you won’t be willing to get the help that you need to get better. In short, admit that you are burnt out so that you can recognize your need for change.
2. Make Your Health A Priority
Burnout happens not just because you are stressed. It also happens because you are not taking the steps necessary for self-care. Take stock of what you are currently doing. Are you eating well? Are you sleeping enough? Are you doing enough activities that you enjoy? Are you finding the time to relax? What about exercise? If the answer to any of these questions is no, you have some work to do. Even if you focus on solving the issues around one of these questions at a time you will be making your health a priority.
3. Take A Step Back
Around 25% of Americans are saying that their job is the biggest stressor in their lives according to The American Institute of Stress (2023). Some of us are out there working until we drop. Going to work early, staying late, not taking vacations, sick days, etc. Take a serious look at what you are doing. Consider leaving work on time. If you have some vacation time, take it. If you don’t have vacation time, sometimes just a mental health day is enough to help us begin to heal. In some cases, quitting might be the best answer. What you do will be directly dependent on how burnt out you are and what you need to resolve it.
4. Re-Evaluate
Now that you have taken some time to work on yourself, you might be on your way to feeling better. It is time to re-evaluate what your goals are and what led you to burnout in the first place.
Sometimes we lose sight of what we need to make us happy. We may get so caught up in trying to make a living that we forget what got us started in the first place. Make a list of things that make you happy and write down whether or not you are getting those things. Write down at least two things that are irrevocably important to you and decide whether your current situation is beneficial or harmful to everything that you wrote down.
5. Tell People What You Need
Sometimes it can be hard to express what we need in life. It is time to try getting used to the idea that it is ok to let people know what you need. This can be as simple as telling your boss that you need a few days off. You could also reach out to your support system to tell them that you are struggling and need to talk. Another good idea is seeking professional help. Speaking to someone who is trained to help you is unspeakably valuable.
6. Be Nice To Yourself
This may be last on the list but it is probably the most important step to follow. Most people tend to be understanding of other people’s troubles. However, when we are faced with similar situations, our mindset suddenly changes. “Why am I not doing as well as others? It’s just work, why am I letting it get to me? Why can’t I just deal? I slept a lot so I have no business being this tired?” Sound familiar? We are our own worst critics when it comes to the things that we do or can’t do. Be nice to yourself. Tell yourself the same things that you would tell someone else in your place. It is ok to be struggling but it is not ok to put yourself down because of it.
Burnout is not an easy thing to deal with but hopefully, the 6 ways to deal with it mentioned here have been of some help. The most important things to take away from this are to admit that there is a problem, take care of your health, create space, re-evaluate, tell people what you need, and be nice to yourself. Now get out there and start healing!