You’re feeling burned out from your high-stress aviation job. How can you get back on track?

1 Recognize the signs

Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed? Are you having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things? Are you feeling irritable, frustrated, or cynical? Have you been experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, or digestive issues? Have you been avoiding social interactions and neglecting your responsibilities? Are you using alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress? If so, then it is likely that you are experiencing burnout. Don't ignore these signs; they are indicators that you need to take action and make some changes in your life. Acknowledging that you have a problem and seeking help is the first step to overcoming burnout.

2 Seek support

You don't have to tackle burnout on your own. Seek support from your family and friends for emotional and practical assistance, and from your colleagues and managers for feedback, guidance, or mentorship. Your healthcare provider can assess your physical and mental health and recommend treatments or interventions. A therapist or counselor can help you identify underlying causes of burnout, such as personal or professional issues, conflicts, or trauma, and develop coping skills to prevent it from recurring.

3 Manage your stress

Stress is an unavoidable part of any job, especially in aviation, but you can manage it by adopting healthy habits. It's important to set boundaries and priorities, so you can't do everything for everyone all the time. You should also take breaks and vacations to give yourself time to rest and recover. Practicing self-care is also essential for your physical and mental well-being. Additionally, seeking feedback and learning from your mistakes, successes, and challenges can help you grow and improve. All of these habits can help you stay stress-free and perform at your best.

4 Rekindle your passion

Burnout can make you lose sight of why you chose aviation as your career in the first place, but you can rekindle your passion by reconnecting with your purpose, values, and vision. Remind yourself of your strengths, talents, and achievements to feel proud of what you have accomplished. Rediscover what inspired you to pursue aviation in the first place and find new sources of motivation. Also, realign your goals and expectations with your current reality, needs, and desires. Burnout is not a sign of weakness or failure; it is a sign that you need to take care of yourself and make some changes in your life. With these tips, you can get back on track and enjoy your high-stress aviation job again.