What do you do if your stress levels are high and burnout is looming?

1 Identify the sources of stress

The first step to deal with stress and burnout is to identify the causes and triggers that are affecting you. These can be external factors, such as workload, deadlines, expectations, conflicts, or changes, or internal factors, such as perfectionism, self-criticism, or unrealistic goals. Once you have a clear picture of what is stressing you out, you can prioritize, delegate, negotiate, or eliminate some of the tasks or situations that are draining your energy and resources. You can also seek support from your manager, colleagues, friends, or family, and communicate your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.

4 Learn new skills

The fourth step to deal with stress and burnout is to learn new skills that can help you cope better with the challenges and demands of your work and life. These skills can include time management, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, or assertiveness. By learning new skills, you can improve your efficiency, effectiveness, and confidence, and reduce the stress and pressure that can come from feeling overwhelmed, unprepared, or incompetent. You can also learn new skills that can enhance your personal and professional growth, such as creativity, innovation, or leadership. By learning new skills, you can expand your horizons, challenge yourself, and find new meaning and fulfillment in your work and life.

5 Seek professional help

The fifth step to deal with stress and burnout is to seek professional help if you feel that your stress and burnout are affecting your health, happiness, or functioning. Sometimes, stress and burnout can be signs of underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. In these cases, you may need to consult a doctor, therapist, or counselor, who can diagnose your condition, prescribe medication, or offer counseling or therapy. By seeking professional help, you can get the support, guidance, and treatment that you need to overcome your stress and burnout, and restore your well-being.

6 Remember your purpose

The sixth step to deal with stress and burnout is to remember your purpose and vision for your work and life. Sometimes, stress and burnout can make you lose sight of why you do what you do, and what you hope to achieve or contribute. To regain your sense of purpose and direction, you can revisit your values, goals, and passions, and align them with your actions and decisions. You can also reflect on your impact, influence, and legacy, and how you can make a difference in your work and life. By remembering your purpose, you can rekindle your enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivation, and prevent stress and burnout from dimming your light.