Like most of us, you entered this field because you had a genuine desire to help your customers move forward and advance in their careers or education. When times are good, you feel energized and passionate. But during times of limited resources, there’s a shift from client-centered services to a focusing on performance outcomes, which are crucial to continued funding. When this happens, you might begin to feel your energy level drop, your passion wane, your stress level increase, and finally…total burnout.
So how can you manage the stress and avoid the burnout when you find yourself in these lean times? The following are six strategies will help you regain your work/life balance and reignite your passion!
- Take Charge. In order to feel more in control, especially during times of change, arrange to meet with your supervisor at least quarterly to talk about your performance and your job. Take this opportunity to clarify your strengths, weaknesses, and any areas you can develop or improve on, including discussing any sources of concern.
- Unplug! If you carry a cell phone for work, turn it off once you leave the office. Most employers do not expect you to be available 24/7 unless it’s in your job description. Set boundaries and stick to them. You need and deserve the down time. This includes email. Avoid checking work-related email at home, unless you work out of a home office. If you do, only check it during regular business hours. Self and family time are important!
- Simplify. Instead of packing your day full of tasks and activities, determine what needs to be done, what can wait, and what can be eliminated completely. Update your task list every day. For things you must complete, determine how long each will take and assign a time. It will be less overwhelming if you know how long each task will take to complete.
- Say NO. Learn to say NO or not right now to items that are not a necessary part of your job. If saying no isn’t an option, be sure to let the person who assigned you the task know how long it will take to complete and when you will be able to fit it into your schedule. Do not promise anything you can’t deliver on—this will only create more stress! If time is limited, do the best job possible. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be perfect to still be a job well done.
- Take a Break. Throughout the day, take a few minutes to clear your mind, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t skip your lunch break. Make sure you use the time to do something for yourself. Take a walk, exercise, do some type of activity that removes you physically and mentally from work and don’t feel guilty. Stick to it and do it now—right now!
- Relax. Plan a vacation at least once a year, preferably twice! Having 45 days of vacation on the books isn’t something to be proud of. Use it! If you can’t afford to go away, use the time to do some things around the house—read a book, paint a room, or visit a local museum. The possibilities are endless. Force yourself to do it. You’ll be glad you did.
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