You’re feeling overwhelmed in your healthcare role. How can you address burnout?

1 Recognize the signs

The first step to address burnout is to acknowledge that you’re experiencing it and identify the factors that contribute to it. Some common signs of burnout are feeling tired, drained, or sick; losing interest or motivation in your work; becoming cynical, irritable, or detached; having difficulty concentrating or making decisions; and experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. You may also notice changes in your behavior, such as isolating yourself, avoiding responsibilities, or using substances to cope. Pay attention to how you feel and act, and seek help if you need it.

3 Seek support

You don’t have to deal with burnout alone. You can seek support from your colleagues, managers, friends, family, or professionals who can offer you emotional, practical, or clinical assistance. You can also join a support group or network with other healthcare workers who understand what you’re going through and can offer you advice, empathy, or solidarity. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can help you reduce stress, cope better, and find solutions.

4 Practice self-care

Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for your well-being and performance. It means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by engaging in activities that nourish and replenish you. Some examples of self-care are eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, meditating, relaxing, pursuing hobbies, or expressing yourself creatively. Find what works for you and make it a habit to practice self-care every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

5 Reframe your perspective

Another way to address burnout is to change the way you think about your work and yourself. Sometimes, you may have unrealistic or negative beliefs that can increase your stress and lower your satisfaction. For example, you may think that you have to be perfect, that you’re responsible for everything, or that you’re not good enough. To challenge these beliefs, you can use cognitive techniques such as identifying and replacing distorted thoughts, focusing on the positive aspects of your work, acknowledging your achievements and strengths, and setting realistic and meaningful goals.