Work related burnout is prevalent in many industries, especially the medical industry. A recent study showed that medical students report a rate of depression that is 15 to 30% higher than the general population by a significant margin. Additionally, physicians aged 35 and under have a burnout rate of 44%. Job related burnout is not always preventable, but there are some things that you can do to avoid it. These 10 ways to avoid burnout can help you identify the symptoms and avoid a career related burnout.
Understand the symptoms of burnout
Understanding the symptoms of burnout and the processes of burnout psychology can help you identify it easier. Many people mistakenly attribute symptoms of burnout to something else. It is also important to know the statistics surrounding career burnout.
Do a daily check in
Simply knowing about burnout psychology is not enough. When you get so caught up in work, you forget to evaluate your burnout potential. Do a daily check in and evaluate how you are feeling. Consider the symptoms of burnout psychology and make any needed daily changes to your routine.
Get to know your coworkers
Employees that feel isolated tend to burn out faster. Discussing work concerns with coworkers can be therapeutic. It can also be helpful to have acquaintances at work that you can destress with. Make plans together outside of work. It will help to have someone that fully understands what you go through on a daily basis. They can also be a useful part of identifying emotionally drained symptoms.
Speak to a professional
When burnout symptoms are persistent and begin to affect other parts of your life, it might be time to consult with a professional. Some employers, especially hospitals, have on site trained professionals that are familiar with job burnout and burnout psychology. They will use a variety of psychological techniques for burnout treatment. They will consider all aspects of your life, including your job, and how it contributes to your emotional state.
Make self care a priority
Self care is necessary in preventing career burnout. Self care is the process of taking care of yourself. The medical industry has high burnout rates, usually because physicians and nursing professionals are constantly caring for other people. They tend to forget about self care and that can quickly lead to burnout.
Use your vacation days
Many Americans skip their vacation days. Vacation is important for preventing burnout. Even if you do not go somewhere, it is important to use your vacation days. Relax at home, watch TV all day, catch up on some errands, or simply sleep all day. Vacation days can do wonders for preventing career burnout.
Receive regular medical care
Burnout can lead to increased stress. More stress in your life can affect your health. For this reason, it is important to receive regular medical care. Make sure you are getting annual exams with your primary physician.
Find ways to destress daily
Even if you do not feel overly stressed, it is important to destress daily. Stress can quickly build up and before you know it, you are overwhelmed with stress. Exercise and engaging in entertaining activities can be especially useful in keeping stress levels low.
Improve your sleep quality
Sleep can affect your stress and burnout potential. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. If you find that you are not feeling refreshed after a night of sleep, consult with your physician. Also, dealing with stress on a daily basis can improve your overall sleep quality.
Request a leave of absence when needed
If you have tried every burnout technique and still feel burned out, it might be beneficial to take a leave of absence. Taking a leave of absence can refresh you and renew your dedication to your career.
Workplace stress causes approximately one million U.S. employees to miss work each day. Before you are met with missed work time or an overall lack of enjoyment in your career, make sure you handle your work stress as it comes.