How to Avoid Burnout

Maintain your passion for your career and be fulfilled.

Burnout in the healthcare field is huge and has gotten even worse over the past couple of years as many people worked through the pandemic. However, burnout does not only happen in healthcare. It can happen to anyone in any job at any age.

Keep reading for ways to avoid burnout and keep your passion for your work.

Tip #1 - Listen to your body

Your body will literally tell you it needs a break. You might feel exhausted after every shift, you may not be getting enough sleep, and you may not be eating well. If you need to sleep, then sleep, if you need to eat, ethane eat, if you need to take a walk, then take a walk. Your physical well-being is extremely important if you want to live a long and happy life.

Tip #2 - Focus on your mental health

Mental health is just as (if not more) important as physical health in preventing burnout. Emotional distress, compassion fatigue, and stress all play a high part in burnout. Your physical health is also dependent oil your mental health. Too much stress can manifest as physical ailments such as an upset stomach or a headache. Take time to talk with a therapist, do medication, exercise, or whatever else helps you to manage your stress and clear your mind.

Burnout is the "state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one’s professional life." – Herbert Freudenberger (Psychologist)

Tip #3 - Have a hobby

I admittedly have experienced burnout in the past and think I am experiencing some level of burnout now. I don't feel as exhausted now as I did working bedside, but I know that it is hard to do everything I want to do in my life with my current job.

What really helped me through some of the burnout and stress was having MANY hobbies. I do a lot including crafting, writing, mountain biking, and working out. Oftentimes, when I was overworked and exhausted, taking time to myself and getting outdoors or crocheting a new blanket helped me to remember the joy in my life and feel good for a little bit.

Doing something you enjoy releases endorphins which are natural "feel good" chemicals in your brain. Anything that brings you joy or feels good (such as going for a run or watching your favorite TV show) will cause your body to release endorphins and naturally enhance your mood.

Tip #4 - Don't feel bad about not working overtime

This one is BIG and it was something that happened to me. Sometimes it is hard to say no when a supervisor asks you to help out the team and work a few extra hours or an extra shift. You CAN say no, and you should! Then don't have to feel bad about it. You have done your work and put in your committed time already. If there isn't a mandatory overtime clause in your contract or position, then you don't have to work it. Sure, maybe extra money would be nice, but is it worth it?

Tip #5 - Focus on why you wanted to pursue this career

Think about why you chose your career path and why you chose this specific job? Was it because you love working with certain people? Do you like being in a leadership position? Do you like the challenges and successes that it brings? Take a few moments (or longer) and really think about your reasons for working where you are now. If you don't know or you can't remember why you started in the first place, then maybe it is time for a switch, which leads me to my final point.

Tip #6 - Take a break

If you are still feeling burnt out in your job, then take a break! You deserve it for your mental and physical health. Maybe that's taking some PTO and going on a vacation. Maybe it's going to get a massage and taking a few days for some R&R. Maybe, you need to take a break from your job entirely and find something new. A new job may help you regain your passion for your work and give you another perspective on how things could be.

Focusing on your own health and preventing burnout will help you to have a happy and successful career. If all you do is work and feel like you don't have any hobbies or any time to get away and care for yourself, you need to find the time. You are the most important person. You can't keep pouring from an empty cup. You need to take some time to focus on your goals, and what you want out of your career, and know your boundaries and how to say no when it's too much for you.

Note: These tips are based on my personal work experience but I think they apply to anyone in any position of work (even if that work is volunteer work). You have to take care of yourself first.

Let me know in the comments what you find helps you in your life to prevent burnout and maintain passion for your career. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to get notified when a new blog post is published.