5 Ways to Avoid Burnout and Re-Energize
Feeling like…
…your job has you running on a hamster wheel?
…you’re working more than ever – but nobody seems to notice or care?
…your motivation and focus have disappeared?
If so, you’re probably burned out.
Job burnout can be the result of many factors; here are six common causes from a recent Harvard Business Review article:
- Unsustainable workload
- Perceived lack of control
- Insufficient rewards for effort
- Lack of a supportive community
- Lack of fairness
- Mismatched values and skills
But regardless of the cause, the symptoms of job burnout are the same:
- Feeling angry, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed
- Experiencing difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Lacking motivation and interest in your work
That’s no way to exist!
You deserve better. And you can do something about it. So, if you’re feeling weary and worn out, all hope is not lost. Here are five ways to keep burnout at bay – and renew your enthusiasm for your job:
1. Learn something new.
Engaging your brain in novel ways can re-energize your interest in your job. Ask your boss about development programs at your company. Volunteer for a stretch assignment that will challenge you and force you slightly out of your comfort zone. Master a new form of technology that has become valuable in your field.
2. Help others succeed.
Altruistic behaviors naturally release endorphins (your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals). Find a small way to make someone’s job easier. Send an email to your boss about the great job your coworker is doing. Sign up to become a mentor. The kindness you show will come back to you twofold – and improve your attitude toward your work.
3. Revamp your workspace.
Whether you work from a home office or on-site, decluttering and cleaning your work area will improve your productivity, focus, and mood. Plus, the organization’s process forces you to make decisions and prioritize what you value, giving you a better understanding of what’s important in your work.
4. Find meaning in your work.
Even the most-mundane, least-glamourous jobs can provide real fulfillment; it’s all about your attitude. Commit to living your personal core values through your work. Clarify how your role positively impacts your team, department, company, and the world at large. When you view your job through this lens, you find greater meaning in performing routine tasks – and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
5. Commit to improving your situation.
Sometimes, steps like these just aren’t enough to alleviate job burnout. If you’re ready to make a change, PrideStaff can help you find a great new job. Our experts will: help you understand your options; present only jobs that are right for you; and help renew your enthusiasm for your work. Join our Talent Community, search jobs near me, or apply with PrideStaff today.
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