Are You Burning Out?

Burnout is a common phenomenon that can affect anyone, but it disproportionately affects women leaders.

The constant juggling of responsibilities, dealing with high-pressure situations, and being held to unreasonably high expectations can all lead to us feeling overworked, exhausted, and burned out.

Burnout is often seen as a rite of passage and we think it has to be the norm for us. Some of us feel that we need to push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion to prove our worth, yet this can be detrimental to us, our teams, and the organizations we lead. I know I lived the burnout life for far too long and there was a heavy price to pay.

The Costs of Burnout

Burnout is more than just feeling tired and stressed out – it can have significant consequences for us, both personally and professionally. Burnout can lead to physical and mental health problems, strained relationships with loved ones, decreased work performance, and a lack of progress towards our career and life goals. All these challenges can have a negative impact on our career trajectory and progress – making it even more important to avoid burnout in the first place.

Recognizing Burnout

Recognizing and addressing burnout early on is vital to preventing it from spiraling out of control. Some symptoms to look out for include chronic fatigue, insomnia or other sleep disorders, poor appetite, irritability, and apathy. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or lacking motivation, chances are you may be experiencing burnout.

What Can You Do to Avoid Burnout?

To avoid burnout, the following are some useful tips:

  • Balancing work and rest: It is important to find an optimal balance between working hours and rest; taking breaks during the workday, giving yourself OFF days, and allowing yourself to unplug.
  • Prioritize self-care: Schedule time for activities that nourish your soul, such as exercise, reading, meditating, cooking, or spending time with loved ones who will help you recharge and restore your energy,
  • Delegate work: Choose work that requires your expertise and delegate other projects to capable colleagues. Learning to delegate is a valuable leadership skill that allows others to gain experience and frees you up to focus on your highest priority tasks.
  • Seek support: Speak to a trusted colleague, mentor, or coach. Surround yourself with a network of supportive people who will listen to you and provide positive feedback and constructive criticism when needed.
  • Identify your core values: Defining what truly matters to you will help you stay focused on what is essential and avoid energy-draining activities that do not align with your goals and vision.

Conclusion

As women leaders, we deserve to lead a life that is full of success, wellbeing, and fulfillment. By identifying burnout and taking steps to avoid it, we can actively improve our life’s quality and our leadership abilities. It is only by prioritizing wellbeing, setting clear boundaries, delegating work, and seeking support that we can preserve our well-being, avoid burnout, and thrive in every area of life.

Work with me

I have helped countless women overcome burnout and free themselves to living a life they enjoy. When you’re ready to step into this freedom, click here and schedule a time for us to talk.

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