How Self Awareness Can Help You Avoid Burnout

Sometimes, it just all catches up to you. You’ve been working a lot, maybe putting in overtime, and there’s no three day weekend for a long while. If you’re feeling like the days are meshing together and you just can’t imagine doing this over and over every day, you might be experiencing some burnout. 

Aspects of your job and tasks that you used to find tolerable or maybe even enjoyable are now a slog to get through. Maybe you find yourself thinking of all the things you have to do today and you just can’t imagine doing it all, and even when you do get it down, you’re so exhausted you can’t even feel accomplished. 

This is tough, and we get it. The good news is, you’re not alone. There are a lot of articles, seminars, and podcasts about burnout because it’s a problem that so many experience. 

What Are Some Burnout Symptoms?

Burnout is just what it sounds like. You’re burnt out, whether it’s by your job, taking care of a family, or aspects of your personal life. You may be feeling like life is just asking too much of you and you’re feeling physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually drained. 

Some symptoms of burnout include cynicism, questioning beliefs, interpersonal conflicts, addictive behaviors, frequent illness, and sleep disturbances.

There are even three different types of burnout: overload burnout, where there is just too much going on and you’re focused on success you might be neglecting yourself, under-appreciated burnout, where you feel unappreciated and bored in your job, and neglect burnout, where you may feel like you don’t have the skills needed to do well at your job. 

What Are Some Signs of Burnout?

Like I said, no doctor can tell you when you’re burnt out. Your coworkers, friends, and family can suggest to you what they may think is going on, but at the end of the day, the only person who can really tell you you’re burnt out is you.

That’s why it’s important to know the signs of burnout. Be realistic about what work has looked like for you recently. Have you been hard at work for a long while and you haven’t really had a break? Do you feel like the things you’re being asked to do at work are too easy or too hard? Have you noticed yourself thinking that you’re not feeling well, but you can take a day off because you’re too busy at work? Are you feeling some imposter syndrome lately?

These are all thoughts you could be having if you’re feeling burnout. If you feel these thoughts creeping in, stop them in their tracks and take care of yourself.

Some Tips and Tricks to Help Avoid Burnout

Set limits and boundaries for yourself. Make a promise to yourself to clock out when the day is over, don’t take any extra work home, and try to leave work at the office. Not just physically, but mentally. Let your mind wander to other things. Think about your hobbies. Your favorite TV show. 

Try journaling, going out with friends, even taking a day off to reset yourself. Keep your health and well-being in mind, so you can be your best “you” in all aspects of your life.

Are you an administrative assistant with a passion for helping your business run smoothly? Let the experts at ASAP help you hone your skills and even learn some new ones with training conferences, webinars, and certification programs for administrative assistants, executive assistants, administrative staff, administrative professionals, coordinators, and more!