First, I wish to share my favorite delight from the week: the weather is amazing! The heat wave finally broke! And we got a tiny bit of rain on Monday. The rain helped clear the sky of smoke. And hopefully, more rain will arrive soon and put out the wildfires in the west.
Second, I’ve been journaling about my adventures with burnout. I’ve experienced burnout a few times throughout my career. I burned out because I didn’t have strong boundaries at various jobs (including my own business). After my last adventure with burnout in 2019, I promised myself that it wouldn't happen again. So far so good!
Below are a few ways I've avoided burnout over the past few years. If you are struggling with burnout, I hope my personal tips might help you.
1.) I found a cognitive behavioral therapist, and I spent about 9 months working with her. I continue to put what I learned into practice. For example, at my last job I practiced setting and keeping my boundaries to avoid burnout. Even though I resigned from the job, the experience was a success. I did my best work possible, and I clarified my boundaries. Also, I have a better idea of how I can help future employers, clients, and myself.
2.) To educate myself, I continue to read books on work, burnout, and boundaries. My favorites include:
— Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Tawwab
— Out of Office by Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Petersen
— Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen
— Work Won't Love You Back by Sarah L. Jaffe
3.) Most of the time, I stick to my boundaries. I say "most of the time" because I'm a work in progress.
4.) When my boundaries are crossed, I have hard conversations (with myself and others). This is never easy, and it's necessary!
5.) I ask myself the following questions: What if all the work you’ve done is enough? If you believed you were enough, how would that change your perspective?
Closing Notes
Work can offer me a sense of purpose and meaning. But my job isn't everything, and it can't be. As Sarah L. Jaffe wrote, "Work won't love you back." My loved ones will, though. That's why maintaining strong relationships is so important to me. It's more important than any job I do.
I also understand that I need a job because I live under capitalism. I don't have all the answers, and I do know this: Avoiding burnout means that I have to check-in with myself daily. I do this through journaling, and I seek support when I need it. And finally, I do my best to stick to my boundaries.
Good Links
With that, here’s what I enjoyed reading and listening to this week:
1.) “Thanatology - (death, grief, & mourning) with Cole Imperi” is a powerful podcast. While I listened, I cried because I empathize with Alie's loss. I'm glad she shared her story, though. Talking about death and dying normalizes the process. It's also a good reminder to enjoy each day and to be a loving person. If you don’t listen to podcasts, I’d encourage you to check out Alie's show notes. They are filled with excellent links and information.
2.) “How Heat Waves Take a Toll on Mental Health” was a helpful article about how “extreme heat can influence mood and raise the likelihood of a more serious mental health issue.”
3.) “Choosing Ease” was a lovely essay. It reminded me that I’m not a robot, and that I don’t have to make things hard for myself. Imagine that!? I can choose ease.
Thank you for reading!
I know there is plenty to read, watch, and listen to online, and I'm appreciative of your readership and support.
All the gratitude goes to: Carla, @kyennew, Annie, Iris, and an anonymous someone for the coffee and kind words!
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Thanks for being here!
With gratitude,
Tammy Strobel