Feeling overwhelmed by a hefty workload is the most common thing I hear in conversations about burnout, but it is a much bigger picture than that. Burnout can also manifest as apathy, deep lack of motivation for work and personal endeavors or emotional reactivity - to name a few characteristics.
If you or your team are experiencing these sensations, it's important first to recognize and acknowledge them. Trust that there are ways to support yourself without necessarily changing roles or having discussions about your workload that may not lead anywhere.
Follow my roadmap to wellness for a few things you can take action on in the very near future that can help you mitigate burnout and feel more resilient!
Get PTO on the calendar
Seriously though, start planning some time off. It's a chance to chill at home, explore the local places you never have time to visit, or jet off somewhere new. Even squeezing in some half-days can help you reboot.
Set clear boundaries with yourself
I think the topic of boundaries comes up a lot with regards to setting them with other people and having some uncomfortable conversations, but that doesn't always have to be the case. Sometimes boundaries are for ourselves and only we need to know about them.
Decide what you need more of in your life to feel more relaxed, focused, balanced - whatever supports your overall wellness. Then create some structure around that with options to shift things around as you test them out. Do you need more quality sleep? Set boundaries around when you stop working or when you start your bedtime routine. Want less brain drain by the end of your workday? Schedule 5 minute breaks to meditate, stare out the window or stretch. Boundaries can be anything that help you create more intention without rigidity.
Curate self-care tools that work for you
Not everything works for everyone, you know that. It's the same with self-care. Some people find dancing therapeutic, when others would describe that as their worst nightmare.
Think of anything that makes you feel happy or calm and start making a list. Add things as you think of them. Keep that list on your desk or somewhere you walk past often. When you're feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated or agitated, go to your list and choose something to help shift that energy.
Build and lean on your support team
In the words of Bill Withers, "We all need somebody to lean on". If you're feeling like you're on an island all alone, don't hesitate to connect with colleagues, family, or even professionals. Feeling a sense of community is one of the key components to mental wellbeing. If you have a support system, please talk to them. Share what's going on in your life - the good, the weird and the challenging stuff. Your true friends want to hear about it, celebrate with you or share the burden. Let them be there for you.
About the Author:
Tiffany Lord, E-RYT & Yoga Therapeutic Specialist
Corporate Yoga Coach
Resilience + Stress Management Expert
As the founder of Love + Asana, I help busy professionals feel more resilient and and increase agency in their wellness. This all-levels, accessible approach to physical and mental health at work allows employees to easily learn and implement healthy habits during their work day…and feel the benefits ripple out into all areas of life
Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of coaching thousands of employees through virtual sessions and workshops focused on relaxation techniques, mindset, and mobility. My wellness articles have been featured in fyi50+, CO Yoga + Life, and I’m the author of three “Get With Gratitude” journals based on my online workshop series for resiliency through a grateful mindset.
I completed a 200-hour training through CorePower Yoga and received my 500-hour Therapeutic Specialist certificate through Yoga Medicine to complement my background in massage therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in International Business with Cum Laude honors from the University of Colorado at Denver. As a Continuing Education Provider with the Yoga Alliance, I share my knowledge of functional movement and the mind-body connection with yoga instructors wanting to deepen their teaching toolkit.