Understanding Burnout: Signs and Solutions
Do you often feel like you're constantly working and find yourself thinking, “Why am I so incredibly tired all the time?” If so, you're definitely not alone.
While women are making remarkable strides in the workforce, they're also facing high levels of exhaustion. Balancing work, personal life, and social commitments (like partners, family, brunches, etc.) can make it challenging to maintain your energy.
Reports indicate that many millennial and Generation X women began their careers as teenagers, working hard in college to build impressive resumes, only to enter the workforce and feel burnt out by age 27. Many women seem to have it all under control, yet the truth is they are fatigued and starting to question if their pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder was truly worth it. Presently, one in three millennial women holds managerial positions, and studies suggest this trend will continue. However, research also reveals that millennial women are earning lower wages in an unpredictable economy and often face unemployment.
Given these powerful statistics, one might wonder how women can strike a balance while still pursuing ambitious career goals. As career advancement for women rises, there are also reports of increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
With the high demands for productivity in a results-driven society, it’s no surprise that millennial women are experiencing burnout at alarming rates. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the signs of burnout in order to prioritize self-care.
Here are five signs you may be experiencing burnout:
constant fatigue
If you wake up tired and go to bed feeling the same, you might be experiencing burnout. If you find yourself relying on caffeine or a sweet treat throughout the day for a boost but still feel drained, burnout could be the issue.
unusual health issues
Women often compromise their self-care routines to meet job demands or deadlines. For instance, skipping a nutritious meal for a Venti caramel latte or sacrificing sleep to finish a project can lead to health issues. If this resonates with you, burnout may be at play.
lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Have you found it hard to celebrate a friend’s exciting news or feel too drained to enjoy a milestone? If so, you might be experiencing burnout.
pessimistic thoughts
Are you frequently contemplating worst-case scenarios? For example, if a coworker admires your shoes and you assume they’re critiquing your recent presentation, this shift in perspective may indicate burnout.
decreased performance
When experiencing burnout, focusing and performing at your best becomes challenging. If your recent work hasn’t met your standards, burnout might be the cause.
The good news is you can reclaim your energy.
Here are some tips to help you get back on track:
Recognize the signs early and surround yourself with a supportive network that can also identify these signs.
Commit to regular self-care practices to lower the risk of burnout.
Allow yourself to take breaks. Don’t hesitate to take a mental health day to truly rest.
Establish a routine that encourages healthy habits (like meal prepping and spending quality time with loved ones).
Let go of the need to control everything. It’s perfectly fine to ask for help managing a project.
And most importantly, prioritize self-love! Nobody can care for you better than you can.
what you can do next
Women who participate in dedicated mentorship programs are more likely to step into and thrive in leadership roles. Once they achieve these positions, they can mentor younger women, fostering networks, promoting gender diversity, and perpetuating the cycle of success.
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