When people talk about overcoming burnout, they often suggest things like lighting a scented candle, putting on a face mask, going on holiday, and going for a spa visit. While these traditional understandings of self-care activities are undoubtedly important, they are often not enough. They can make you feel better in the moment, but they don’t solve the problem of what causes burnout.
Think about it this way: You treat yourself to a spa day to relax, but when Monday comes, you still feel exhausted and stressed. Sound familiar?
Burnout is more than just feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. What causes burnout stems from prolonged exposure to high levels of stress, coupled with feelings of being overwhelmed by work, losing motivation, and not seeing the point in what we do.
Therefore, to truly tackle burnout, we need to address the causes of burnout. That means looking at things like workloads, work support, and workplace culture. These self-care activities can be part of the solution, but they're just one piece of the puzzle. We also need to make changes in how we work.
In this article, we will explore why the traditional understanding of self-care activities doesn’t solve burnout and provide practical steps for overcoming burnout.
What are the limitations of “self-care” activities
While self-care is important, it’s essential to recognise its limitations and why it often does not solve burnout. Here’s why:
- Surface-level solutions: While self-care activities can provide temporary relief from stress and exhaustion, it often doesn't address what causes burnout, like unmanageable workloads or insufficient support systems. It's like putting a band-aid on a wound without treating the infection underneath—it may feel better for a while, but the problem persists.
- Accessibility issues: Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities to engage in self-care. Many self-care activities, such as going on a holiday or going to a spa, require time, money, or resources that not everyone can afford. This means that some people are left feeling even more burnt out because they don't have access to the support they need.
- Pressure to practice self-care activities: Surprisingly, the idea of self-care can sometimes add to our stress. We might feel like we need to do a million different activities to take care of ourselves properly. Trying to do too much can make us feel even more overwhelmed and exhausted rather than better.
How to cope with burnout
Now that we understand why self-care activities alone don’t solve burnout, here are some practical ways that you can do in overcoming burnout:
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around work hours, breaks, and personal time. Learn to say ‘No’ to additional responsibilities when your plate is already full, and delegate tasks when possible.
- Prioritise tasks: Look at everything on your plate and ask yourself, "What really needs my attention now, and what can wait?”. Focus on high-priority tasks first, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed.
- Seek support: Don’t go through burnout alone. Seek guidance and support from your colleagues, mentors, or employee assistance programs. Sometimes, a listening ear or helpful advice can make all the difference. Join our upcoming webinar, “Recharge Your Life: Defeat Burnout and Rediscover Joy”, to discover strategies to help you overcome burnout.
- Communicate effectively: If something at work is weighing you down, find a good moment to share your thoughts with your manager. Offer suggestions for improvements or accommodations that can ease your burden and prevent burnout.
- Foster connections: The people you work with can be more than just colleagues; they can be your allies and friends. Creating those connections isn't just good for the soul; it can be a buffer against the rough days. Whether it's a coffee break chat or a post-work hangout, these moments build a community that supports each other.
- Find meaning and purpose in your work: Sometimes, reconnecting with the "why" behind your work can reignite your passion. It's about seeing how your efforts contribute to something bigger and finding personal meaning in the tasks at hand. When you align what you do with what you believe in, it can transform a job into a fulfilling journey.
In essence, while self-care activities are undoubtedly beneficial for maintaining overall wellbeing, it's only one piece of the puzzle. By taking a holistic approach, such as setting clear boundaries, prioritising tasks, seeking support, communicating effectively, fostering meaningful connections, and finding purpose in your work, you can overcome burnout and create a more sustainable balance.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. For more guidance and support, book a 1-on-1 consultation with a Naluri Mental Health Coach. If you're in need of more immediate assistance, Naluri Careline & Textlines are available 24/7. Let’s take the first step toward overcoming burnout and fostering a culture of holistic wellbeing.