Dealing with burnout

As professionals, we often feel the pressure to push ourselves to our limits, to work long hours and sacrifice our own well-being for the sake of our careers. However, this constant state of stress and overwork can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can have serious consequences for our health and our careers.

Dealing with burnout is possible, and it starts with acknowledging that it's a real issue that affects many professionals today. As author and researcher Brené Brown notes, "We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions."

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."        

To combat burnout, we need to prioritize our self-care and recognize when we need to take a break. As author and mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn says, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." By learning to manage our stress and prioritize our mental and physical health, we can learn to navigate the challenges of our careers and find balance in our lives.

Research supports the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. In a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, researchers found that "self-care practices (such as exercise, relaxation, and social support) have a strong buffering effect on the relationship between job demands and burnout."

"Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."        

So, take some time to focus on your self-care. Find ways to manage your stress, whether that's through exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. As author and speaker Simon Sinek notes, "Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." By taking care of yourself, you can better serve your colleagues, clients, and community, and find the fulfillment and success you deserve.

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Further reading:

Shimazu, A., Schaufeli, W. B., Kamiyama, K., & Kawakami, N. (2015). Workaholism vs. work engagement: The two different predictors of future well-being and performance.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 20(4), 358–370. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038558