How to Battle Burnout

It is not uncommon for people to be stressed out when they are busy at work. An issue arises, however, when it begins to affect your health both physically and mentally. Luckily, there are ways to identify the difference between common workplace stress and something worse – burnout.

Although burnout can be an extremely stressful experience, it is possible to overcome it. Here are five ways to win the battle against burnout.

Confirmation

According to healthline.com, the five signs of burnout are exhaustion, isolation, escape fantasies, irritability, and frequent illness. It may seem trivial, but a major step in overcoming burnout is to determine that you truly have it. The issue with identifying burnout is that it is easily confused with stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Although they are individual symptoms of burnout, having one and not the other doesn’t necessarily mean you’re burnt out, rather, it could mean you just need a good night sleep.

Sleep

Quality sleep works wonders on your mental health. It may seem like a tall task to get a full 7-9 hours of sleep every night, but if you are able to do so, there will be a noticeable difference in your energy levels, mood, and overall attitude.

Exercise

I know what you are thinking, if your schedule is already so busy then how could you possibly fit exercise in? The good news is, the exercise you do doesn’t need to be extensive. If you are able to do cardiovascular exercises, like jogging, often then great, but if not, simple life choices could make a big difference. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or maybe walk to the sub shop to get your lunch rather than drive. After making these changes, see how you feel a week or two later.

Talk to someone

Sometimes you are your own worst enemy and the only thing stopping you from getting better is you. Find a colleague you trust and ask for advice. They could very well ease your mind about what is triggering your burnout and possibly even share their own experiences. In some cases, companies have their own employee assistance program to help you combat burnout.

How going locum can help

One of the most popular reasons healthcare professionals turn to locum tenens is because of the flexible nature of it. As a locum, you are able to pick when and where you want to work. Want to escape the snowy winters of New England? Take an assignment in Miami. Do you want to go somewhere new? We get jobs in all 50 states! Going locum could end up being the best thing for your mental health.

Being unhappy with your work situation is something that nobody wants to experience. It is normal to go through emotional changes in your job, but when it begins to affect you substantially, then it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Thankfully, there are ways to treat burnout on your own, or professionally if needed.

If you’re ready to explore a career in locum tenens, or if you're looking to hire new talent, Barton Associates can help. Contact us today to get started!

About Chris Keeley

Chris Keeley is the content marketing copywriter and former recruiter at Barton Associates' Peabody, MA, headquarters. Native to the Boston area, Chris joined the Barton team in May 2019 after earning his degree in journalism from Salem State University.