The average work environment today is demanding and fast-paced. At times, it can feel overwhelming to juggle everything – your career, your personal life, and the expectations that come from both of those things. This can cause stress and ultimately burnout. But, staying grounded can help you work through the anxiety or stress that comes and help you on your journey to have a fulfilling career. Here are some ways to do that.
#1: Recognize when you’re starting to feel burnout.
Do you regularly feel negative or cynical about your work? Perhaps you’re seeing a significant decrease in your motivation or productivity or you’re simply mentally or physically drained. These are all signs of burnout and it’s critical to recognize those warning signs and take steps to address them.
#2: Establish boundaries.
It can be difficult to say ‘no’, but it’s essential to learn what you can say ‘no’ to when your plate is full. Look closely at your schedule – both at work and in your personal life – and be realistic about what you can and can’t take on. Maybe it’s deciding not to check your email after 6 o’clock at night. Perhaps it’s saying ‘no’ to working on the weekends or taking on extra hours on top of an already busy day. Once you identify what your boundaries are, communicate those to your boss, co-workers, or your family and friends. Boundaries are a crucial part of staying grounded in your busy life.
#3: Don’t neglect yourself.
We often hear about self-care and how important it is. But it’s critical to understand that taking care of yourself is a necessity. Make time for activities or adventures that help you stay grounded – things that bring you joy and relaxation. Maybe it’s exercise, setting aside a weekend to go explore a new place, spending quality time with family or friends, or meditating. By prioritizing yourself, you can fill your own cup with the energy and stability needed to handle the demands of your career.
#4: Determine what you can delegate, then do it.
It’s not your job to do everything. Find tasks that can be delegated to others and don’t be afraid about asking them to share the load. Trust the people around you to help lighten the load. Doing this will help ground you and help you have the mental and physical energy to do a good job with the tasks that you’re responsible for.
#5: Talk to a professional.
Sometimes, staying grounded is a group effort and that means asking for help from a professional. If you find yourself continuing to battle feelings of anxiety, stress, or prolonged burnout, find a counselor or therapist that you trust. They can help provide tools that help you stay centered, while helping you develop healthy coping mechanisms that prioritize your mental and physical health.
Adopting these strategies can help you have a work-life balance that is harmonious and helps you stay grounded, productive, and happy – despite what might come your way.