The 4-Step Recovery Program to Beat Burnout

The 4-Step Recovery Program to Beat niedergeschlagenheitThe 4-Step Recovery Program to Beat BurnoutThe signs of being burnt out are pretty obvious (at least, they are to those around you). Youre tired. Youre grumpy. Youre frazzled. Youre set off easily by little annoyances, and you no longer feel the love and joy for your work that you once did.But the solutions for dealing with it are a little less so. Maybe youve tried the usual tactics- setting weekday lunches with friends, trying to relax on the weekends, and making sure to hit the gym at least a few times per week. But if youve been dealing with long-term stress or unhappiness thats resulted in full-on burnout mode, youve likely found that even those moves dont get you very far. If this sounds familiar, dont worry While it may seem like you have to change jobs or make a significant life change to get over the hurdle, there are smaller steps you can take to move from burnt out to back in the game. The four-step recovery program f rom Creative Boom features strategies for anyone whos feeling overwhelmed and over it- and while theyll take a little more time than an hour on the treadmill, theyre definitely more effective.Stage 1 Be ProactiveBurnout is often the result of issues in the workplace or problems with clients. In which case, be proactive and make the necessary changes to improve the situation. Youll feel much better if you actually do something about it, rather than allowing things to get worse.Do This Now Think about the top two or three things that are really wearing on you. Is it a demanding boss? A problem employee? An overwhelming workload? Then, for each of those things, identify one thing that you could change about your current situation (even if it seems like it might be unrealistic). Chances are, theres at least one thing you could ask for from your boss and co-workers that might make things better.Stage 2 Find SupportBurnout can make you isolate yourself from the world. But instead of hidin g under your duvet, turn to family and friends for support. Dont be ashamed to admit that youre suffering and share your problems with loved ones.Do This Now Ask a trusted colleague or a friend in your field to lunch, and share that youve been feeling burnt out. Trust us, you are certainly not alone in this feeling, and youre likely to get sympathy (and smart strategies for coping in your specific world) from someone whos been there before.Stage 3 Reassess Your LifeBurnout can offer a silver lining by encouraging you to reassess your life in general. It can help you to reevaluate your goals, priorities, hopes, and dreams. It can make you discover what does and doesnt make you happy and help you take positive steps towards a better existence.Do This Now This can seem like an overwhelming process, but try taking just one small step Even a long conversation with a friend or taking one of our favorite career assessments can help you remember what you love, value, and want from work (and whether or not your current gig is providing it).Stage 4 Take Time OutBurnout sometimes requires a complete break from your working life. Therefore, use up any holiday entitlement you have to get away. Make sure you leave your laptop and mobile phone at home to completely recharge your batteries and get better.Do This Now Plan your next vacation from work, stat. Dont have vacation time? Ask your boss for a few personal days with the promise that youll return to the office recharged and reenergized. Even if you cant get out of town, a few work-free days to do whatever youd like can have amazing benefits.Tell us How have you dealt with burnout in your career?Photo of burned out man courtesy of Shutterstock.