You feel exhausted, ineffective, unaccomplished, and cynical. Maybe you feel like no matter how hard you work, you can never keep up. Or that you can’t make your boss happy no matter how hard you try. And you’re beginning to question your professional situation: Am I in the right job? The right company? The right career? I used to feel passionate about going into work but now I dread Monday and can’t wait until Friday. Will I ever feel excited about my life and work again?
To Recover from Burnout, Regain Your Sense of Control
When you’re burned out, you often feel like your circumstances are out of your control But this victim mindset only blocks you from doing anything about your situation. Instead, you need to believe that you have the ability to make choices to improve your present and future. You also need to believe that taking actions will change the way you feel. You aren’t a victim of your feelings. Then, increase your attentiveness to your body’s physical and emotional needs. Get more sleep. Take breaks during the work day. And, finally, consider whether you can make changes to how much work you’re doing. Can you ask for a deadline extension? Or take yourself off that committee? Or go on a vacation? These things may seem difficult to do but question whether you’ve made assumptions about what’s possible. By changing your mindset and taking small action you’ll feel more in control and begin the process of feeling less burned out.