6 Easily Forgotten Ways To Avoid Burnout

Don't feel bad, it happens to most of us. But here's what you can do about it...

Sadly, burnout, particularity job burnout is becoming increasingly common. But you don't have to be fatalistic about it. Burnout is one of those conditions that can be reversed with a bit of effort. Here are 6 tips about how one can avoid or reverse burnout.

Find moments, however small, for human connection

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Find moments, however small, for human connection — in person, on the phone, in an email. I call these “micro-connections,” the opposite of micro-aggressions. As a “healthcare clown,” working in a big San Francisco hospital, I would pass many people in the hallways — patients, family members, EMTs, doctors, nurses. My job was to instantly get a sense of what they needed from me in our few seconds of connection — “hello,” a quick hat twizzle, a smile, a mini-performance in the hallway. Usually I had to get all my information from how they were walking and the look on their face. Then I would make an offer without expecting anything in return. Not easy to give without expecting something back. Try walking down the street and saying “hello” to someone without expecting them to reply with “hello.” You might realize that most of what passes for human connection is really an emotional transaction — I’ll trade my “hello” for your “hello.” - Jeff Raz

Do not doubt yourself

I would like to pass down a motto that has been given to me by my mentors: do not doubt yourself. Women are less compelled to apply to jobs when they do not meet 100% of the qualifications, compared to men who apply when only meeting 60%. Experts attribute this difference to women’s lack of confidence. Project confidence in every work setting. You must believe that you can do it. Try to see yourself in that role and just go for it! If not you, then who? - Diana Schildhouse

Choose to only work in cultures in which your personal contributions are recognized and rewarded

Each of us holds the power to change it on our own terms. You vote with your time and talent by choosing to only work in cultures in which your personal contributions are recognized and rewarded. - Cindy Eckert

Sleep

Sleep is important. When you’re enthusiastically pursuing a career path you tend to forego sleep. Especially when your journey starts at a younger age. Sleep sharpens acuity and provides sustainability. - Patrick Pennie

An “us” attitude

It’s not about me…it’s about “us”. I realized a long time ago that I could not do my job well without my team. An “us” attitude is essential to lead successfully and to have the team believe in me and see my appreciation and gratitude for their loyalty, hard work, dedication and commitment. - Jeanne Branthover

Never give up!

You can never give up! You learn to pivot and adjust, but you should never, ever give up. Burning out is not an option. I’m sure many of your readers already know that, though. - Christopher Miglino