Due to the pandemic, many people were forced to transition to a remote work style. As part of this transition, new technologies were introduced at record pace. Learning new technology can be difficult, especially when multiple platforms are being utilized. Working remotely also disrupted the elusive work-life balance so many worked tirelessly to perfect. For numerous workers, there was no longer a physical boundary between their work and home life as they were both occurring in the same location. This led to working longer days, staying logged on after the end of a shift, and struggling to feel motivated to work being in a space previously associated with rest and relaxation.
Now, as the pandemic progresses, some are going back to the office while others are staying remote, and others are adapting to a hybrid model. No matter the location or the career path, after such a strenuous year, many people are struggling with burnout. Here are some ways to combat and overcome burnout:
- Set boundaries: Separate your home and your work life. If working remotely, set up an area for work away from distraction. Strictly enforce your work hours. When your “shift” is over, log off, and put it all away until the next day. Burnout comes from being constantly accessible. Always being “on” is emotionally exhausting leaving workers feeling drained because they aren’t truly recharging during off hours.
- Implement healthy habits: A healthy body is a healthy mind. Find a diet that promotes your health and makes you feel good. Exercise is extremely important for your body, but it is also a great way to relieve stress. In fact, the vigor of the exercise doesn’t matter as much as building a routine and sticking to it. Set aside an amount of time that feels beneficial, but don’t make exercising feel like another chore. While staying active is good for the body and mind, so is winding down and getting a good amount of sleep. According to the CDC, most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
- Manage negative thoughts: Negative self-talk is a lesser-known symptom of burnout, and it can be detrimental. To combat this, admit negative self-talk is occurring, and know it is made worse by anxiety and stress. Reflect on why these thoughts are happening and what can be done to alleviate them. Are they based on facts, or are they based on feelings? Talking to a trusted ally or implementing stress management techniques can help to move away from negative self-talk and towards positivity and increased self-esteem.
- Ask for help: Asking for help can seem daunting, but the benefits often outweigh the cost. Help can come in various forms ranging from an employee requesting additional resources to seeking professional help to work through feelings of burnout or anxiety. Asking for help may seem scary, but, as with all things, gets easier with practice.