5 Predictors of Early Burnout
No one wants to feel the high stress and exhaustion of burnout in their career.
What you do at the start of the school year - The boundaries you do or do not set - can be predictors for how your year will go.
Here are some of possible predictors of burnout, as well as suggestions for what you might try instead:
1. Having a “Hit the Ground Running” mentality
The beginning of school can be a stressful, high-paced time, so I think it’s helpful to keep in mind that a school year is also a long time. Instead of pressuring to get everything perfect right away, give yourself the grace of space and time to figure it out. Write down a top priority to focus on for your week, every week. Allow for small breaks during the week and whole days on the weekend to breathe and reset. There’s time to figure it out, and there is time to rest.
2. Having no clear boundaries for when you are and are not working
When you could work at any time, you open the door to working all the time. Instead, set clear expectations for yourself and others for when you will turn work off and leave the school building each day. Make it clear to colleagues, students, and parents when they can reach you and when they cannot reach you via email, texts, and calls. Stick to that boundary by waiting to respond to work messages until your chosen work hours.
3. Self-care stops happening consistently
When work gets busy, self-care can quickly get pushed aside. But to feel our best, we all need adequate nourishment, exercise, hydration, and rest - every single day. Schedule self-care into your calendar and set necessary boundaries with work to make space for these important habits.
4. Taking on too many tasks outside your job description
There’s only so much we can take on in a day without getting totally overwhelmed. Make sure the main tasks you are focused on are the core tasks in your job description. Aim to only take on extra tasks if you still have the capacity for them while maintaining those core responsibilities.
5. Always saying yes to tasks, even when feeling resentful or overworked
Resentment is a possible indicator that you already have too much on your plate. When you start noticing resentment building at work, it’s important to start saying no to extra tasks, delegating, and asking for extra help.
Boundaries are essential for wellbeing in your career, and setting those boundaries should start as soon as possible. What is one boundary you already have set, and one you would like to set moving forward this school year? Let us know in comments below!
