Are You at Risk of Burnout?
On a scale of 1 – 10, what’s your stress level right now? (1 being not much, and 10 being near-breaking-point) If you answered 5 or higher, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the APA, 70% of working adults report work-related stress being at significant levels (Stress in America 2020). There are some aspects of work-stress that we cannot control. However, sometimes there are aspects that are within your control, or at least perhaps your influence.
If I have learned anything in the multiple pauses of 2020 – it has been what matters most to me. I’ve also learned that when I pause and step back, my perspective changes and I begin to realize healthy and unhealthy patterns.
I am a people-pleaser by default, which means I care deeply about others and what they think of me. Exceeding others’ expectations of me is a personal goal, and I hate letting people down. If you ask me for 5 inches, I’ll give you 7 because I noticed perhaps you needed the other 2. Consequently these truths mean I can tend to say yes too often and then feel overwhelmed at the list of commitments.
This habit can bleed into my personal life, too. I’m an Enneagram 2w3 so I love much, am achievement-oriented, and enjoy be in the middle of exciting things. Over the last three years though, I’ve been on a growth journey toward rest. I’m learning to challenge my knee-jerk-yes with asking myself if I truly have space for (insert whatever here). Sometimes saying no is necessary for my overall health and the health of my work outputs. Of course, I still stretch myself to help others when truly necessary. However, I don’t do that so often that I’m totally depleted and have nothing left to offer my family and friends when work is done with me. Learning that “no” is a complete sentence has been a powerful tool I’ve embraced.
SELF-EXPLORATION CAN LEAD TO A BETTER WAY
Through my own self-exploration and reflecting, I’ve discovered patterns in my life that I needed to improve. As a result, I’ve gained better balance, boundaries, as well as space to rest. What about you friend? Are you where I was: tired and worn-out, with no path to balance or rest in sight? While I cannot change your to-do list, I can help you consider what areas you can control. Consider starting by digging a little deeper to discover where you can choose a better way. Let’s look at a few questions and steps together now:
Start by asking yourself some exploratory questions:
If I had better balance and/or boundaries – what would that look like in my work and my home life?
What would I do more of?
And what would I do less of?
What drives me when I tend to overwork/not rest?
Is it an unhealthy expectation from my boss? If yes, is this assumed or has it been communicated by him/her?
Consider your current workload, is it unrealistic for one person? Ask yourself: have I spoken to my boss about my workload? What changes could I make to better manage this workload?
Could my drive to prioritize work over balance be originating from an unhealthy expectation I’ve imposed upon myself? Am I seeking to stand out? To please others?
At the end of my career in this current role, what do I truly want to be remembered for?
While most of these are reflective questions, some may require action. What conversations do I need to prayerfully prepare for and initiate to bring about positive change?
Decide to make small, manageable changes to get to a more balanced state.
Begin with asking: what’s one immediate action within my control I can take to decrease my tendency to overwork and/or overcommit?
Take it a step further by asking yourself: what’s one thing I can say no to that will free up my time, allowing me to be at rest?
What’s one thing I can say yes to that will encourage me to “recharge my batteries” and not do things that feel like work?
Who can I talk to about these defined actions to hold me accountable to making positive steps in the right direction?
Are there any books or courses available to help me if this is a time management issue? (A current favorite of mine is Getting Things Done, by David Allen)
Friend, you are worth the investment of time and energy to be at a better state. The old adage is true: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself, your body and your mind will thank you. And so will your loved ones.
Are you in need of rest? And/or wanting to spend time in the Bible/increase your prayer life but just don’t think you have time? Check out my devotional REST: Choosing Peace, Growth, and Learning Holy Rest for a simple, 3 month long journey. REST is set up to be a monthly devotional and weekly Bible study, with focus on simplicity and intentional contemplation. Check out the REST or Resources section of this blog for more about the book.
You are worthy of rest and balance. Take care, and love yourself well, friends.
Peace,
Amy
