How to avoid burnout as a busy working woman (and what to do when it’s too late)

by Solange Lopes | Jun 28, 2018 | Career

Burnout happens to the best of us. Yes, even the most organized and diligent among working women. While there definitely are slower times during the year, like the month of August when professional and business life seem to come to a standstill, it’s not always the case. There are, on the other hand, times when all professional and personal aspects of life break loose, and we’re left with the pleasant burden to figure it all out.

When it comes to workload and personal responsibilities, peaks and valleys are inevitable. You will go through periods when you feel like there are not enough hours in the day (and you may be through these as we speak). You will also have times when you may feel like you’re not as productive. As a result, we tend to burn out during extremely busy seasons, as we try to get everything done well.

I’ve been a victim of burnout too many times not to know the horrible feeling it leaves you with. Much of it was also self-imposed, which prompted me to look for ways to avoid it. As a working mom, I’ve also realized that it doesn’t just affect me, but pretty much everyone around me. It’s no fun being around a cranky, sleepy, frustrated mom, wife or sister.

Here are a few ways to avoid burnout or face it when it’s already too late:

1. Set your priorities straight

One of the main reasons why we tend to burn out is that we take on too much. As we fail to set our priorities, whether personal or professional, straight, we often put ourselves in unbearable situations.

Instead, set your own priorities straight, and take some time to understand and define what really matters to you. These are your non-negotiables, or the stuff that you NEED to do. It may be your mandatory department meeting and deliverables, or your gym time in the morning. Whatever it is, don’t just write it down on your to-do list. Schedule it and strategize in order to accomplish it as successfully as you can.

I’ve learnt the hard way not to allow everyone else’s priorities to become mine. Instead, I take some time every day, week and month, to make a list of my minimum requirements. I usually try and tackle these first thing in the morning to ensure that they don’t slip under the radar.

2. Delegate!

Repeat after me: You can do anything, but you CANNOT do everything! Burnout is also often a consequence of not being willing to delegate some tasks and responsibilities off your plate. As a result, you end up committing to way too much, and not being able to deliver in addition to driving yourself insane in the process.

Don’t hesitate to ask for more support and delegate tasks you may need help with. It may even be worth paying for it so you can focus on important tasks, save your time and energy while avoiding burnout.

3. Self-care

Self-care is a priority when it comes to avoiding (and healing) burnout. However, in order for it to be effective, it’s important to turn it into a consistent habit. Do something for yourself each and every day, whether it’s fitting in 30 minutes of exercise or managing to sleep for at least 7 hours a night.

The trick is to include self-care in your calendar as you would any other important commitment, and to stick to it.

4. Add meaning to what you do

One of the reasons why you may be feeling burnout is that you may not be motivated because you don’t see any meaning in what you do. You may not feel as accomplished as you’d like because you don’t see how you contribute to something bigger. Lacking purpose is one of the ways we can incur significant burnout in our lives.

If it’s the case, then consider taking up a hobby. Sign up as a volunteer as a food bank, or simply commit to helping someone else. Volunteer for a project that excites you, or one that really makes a difference.

5. Invest in people

Doing it all on your own can feel quite lonely. Instead, decide to invest some of your time and energy on the people around you. Nurturing your relationships is a great use of your time.

Instead of powering through work all the time, consider going to lunch with a co-worker. Organize playdates with friends, and watch the kids play while you chat (and sip on cocktails). The point is to make the time to be with friends and family, and invest in the right relationships for you. Not only will you benefit from the natural networking, but you will also enjoy the simple pleasures of fun company.

6. Find out what drains you

When was the last time you really paid attention to how you spend your time? If you do so, you’ll find out that you may be engaging in activities that drain you. You end up feeling burnout when you engage in too many activities that drain you.

Find ways to spend time on projects that increase, instead of decreasing, your energy. Get the support you need, delegate some of the chores or tasks that drain you, and start really enjoying the work you do.

7. Be at peace

Not everything will always be perfect. Actually, very few things, if any, will be. So make peace with the mess, the disorganization and the occasional snafus. Develop your mental strength to accept those things you cannot change, and instead focus on what you can work on making a difference in.

There’s always an option. You can always find another job, ask for a change in schedule, ask for help, and so much more. Things may not change overnight, but your life can look very different next week, month of year. Keep going!

How do you avoid burnout as a busy working woman?

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.