105
I am experiencing severe burn out.
I have been remote for over 20 months now, every time I attempt to return to the office, we have a COVID outbreak and we retreat back to our home offices. I miss my colleges and face to face interaction. I feel like I am fighting depression and a host of other emotions I am sure some of you are feeling as well.
My question is this: What do you do to prevent yourself from that feeling of isolation? Do you go for a walk? Meditate? I just got a new puppy and have been taking him for a small walk mid day if I can squeeze time in between meetings, but I need more. All suggestions welcomed!!!!
Anonymous
04/14/22 at 11:49PM UTC
Movement. Music. Meditation....but also, impromptu and unstructured conversations with friends and strangers, at a distance of course.
Jacqueline Kerr
15
03/02/22 at 2:42PM UTC
I joined a comedy class, even online, and it was like therapy because 1) we laughed 2) we all shared our frustrations 3) we achieved something in our skits.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.73k
01/15/22 at 7:04PM UTC
From someone who has overcome severe burnout and worked from home almost my whole career, way before COVID and remote work was the norm, you must do two things:
Intermittent daily self-careHave a work buddyA work buddy or someone who is in your same department can bounce things off each other, share ideas, form a work bond and have a few laughs throughout the week, It makes work doable when you are home alone alot.
Self-care is so important to your wellbeing. I can't stress this enough. I am a big believer on rewarding and celebrating yourself for all the hard work you do. For example, schedule a pedicure after work one day and let someone pamper you a little. On Sunday nights before the work week, take a nice long bubble bath with candles and your favorite music. During the week, reward yourself with a nice lunch if you can meet a friend for an hour and just detach from work. Several brisk 20 minute walks throughout the day can make a big difference, it increases endorphins, the feel good hormone that boosts mood.
And lastly, this changed my life, I learned to meditate. 10 minutes every morning or afternoon. A game changer for staying focused, calm within and learning to control my thoughts effortlessly.
If you are interested in a Lifestyle program for women with burnout you are welcome to learn more, just PM me.
SusanProgram Director and Nurse Educator
35
01/10/22 at 3:16AM UTC
Same! We just went remote again. Frequent walks, get out of the home office/room for a few breaks or exercise,,and have boundaries (start work/end work)
Virginia Walton
15
10/25/21 at 5:30PM UTC
Hi Denise,
In my career I engage with peers in other offices and locations and was able to develop great relationships without being in the same place, so I leveraged those skills since moving into a WFH environment. Check in with friends and peers for virtual coffee, message people (IM, texts etc). I put checking in on at least 2 people on my daily to do list. Walking is great, especially is you are in a place with other walkers. Talk to the other dog people! I made great friends in town because we walked our dogs at the same time.
Mandy Fard, Executive Recruiter, Certified Resume WriterCareer Coach, Recruiter, Certified Resume Writer
1.09k
10/10/21 at 4:44AM UTC
My heart goes out to you. I send you a hug first. Next, I think we can all relate to what you are talking about. What I did, was to spend a lot of time on YouTube. I looked for influencer women who spoke of how they managed their time alone, productivity, and self-care. I listened to women of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. There is an abundance of YouTube influencers, male and female, who share a ton of great information. For the most part, I am an introvert. So, this worked great for me.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
10/07/21 at 12:49PM UTC
I wish there were a hug emoji to show - "I hear you."
The BEST way to fight depression and isolation is to connect with people. It is one of the core key ingredients to enhance our well-being, science-backed. How can you do that? What can you do to create more human-to-human interaction opportunities?
Can you meet up with someone mid-day to walk your dogs together?
Can you declare "I'm done" at 5:00 every Wednesday and meet a friend for coffee or a cocktail?
Maybe host a movie club with friends (so much less commitment than book club)?
Don't wait until the weekend to be human, find moments during the week to have true human connections.
Burnout is real and powering through is not the answer. In order to avoid true burnout, those short 'breaks' aren't going to be enough. You need to make changes to how much time your body is in stressed mode. There becomes a point where our bodies crave the release of cortisol, get addicted to it and searches for reasons to release it.
There is an INCREDIBLE group based out of Denver (not sure where you are) called Second Act and it is an incredible way to connect and network with other women.
Anonymous
10/06/21 at 4:36PM UTC
I hike mid-day with my dogs and neighbors. I take a yoga in the park class 2x per week near my house. I do errands and meet friends for coffee. I do these things to break up my day. give myself a break outside for fresh air and to see my neighbors and friends. Being social and switching up my environment really works to refresh me on all levels. The days fly by, I get my social fix and some fresh air and exercise. You'd be surprised at how great you begin feeling. It actually gets to feeling like I only work part time because my days are lived in chunks of time.
My home office has a speakers on my shelf so I'm either listening to music, a pod cast or audible book. I light a candle. Keep my windows open and stay as relaxed as possible while a work or take meetings. It's a great setting and helps me get through my day with little stress.
In the evening I put everything away in my desk and tidy things for the next day and shut the door so I signal my brain that work is over (no coming back into my office until the next day(.
You have to think over the small details to help with the burnout. Something as simple as soft meditation music playing in the background can make a huge difference.
There are uTube videos with a ton of examples to help you manage your stress.
Denise PopishEmergency Manager for DHS/OEM Colorado
105
10/07/21 at 10:54AM UTC
I love ALL of this! Thank you!
Anonymous
10/07/21 at 12:39PM UTC
You've got this Denise! Just take baby steps. Try a few changes to help you connect and provide you with some relief. Burnout is a real thing and can really impact the quality of your life. And the good thing is you can help balance that out with some changes to your routine. You need rest, social connection and good nutrition as well as the things mentioned.
Good luck to you.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterTHE career expert for high achievers
4.13k
10/06/21 at 2:43PM UTC
What are some things - that have nothing to do with work - that would bring you into contact with humans without causing you COVID-related angst? What if you took your puppy to a local coffee shop (guaranteed to meet people this way), or planned a play date for him with a friend's pup? Is there a hobby you enjoy you could do around others, like knitting or painting?
Also - many online groups have regular virtual meetings. I know, another Zoom meeting may not appeal, but maybe the camaraderie would make up for the lack of enthusiasm about yet another Zoom.
Finally - check out your local Meetup groups - how can you plug into the human race through that avenue?
Hope this helps!
