7 Questions To Uncover Your Burnout
Burnout is a bit like that annoying cousin who overstays their welcome at every family gathering. You didn’t ask for it, you didn’t want it, but there it is, making itself comfortable on your emotional couch, eating up all your mental snacks, and leaving crumbs of exhaustion everywhere. So, how do you get to the bottom of your burnout? Let’s dive into seven probing questions that can help you tackle this uninvited guest.
1. What’s Sucking the Joy Out of Your Day?
Burnout often stems from a joy-sucking vortex lurking somewhere in your routine. Is it the never-ending email avalanche? The back-to-back Zoom marathons that make your eyes feel like raisins? Identify the primary culprits. If your workday feels like an episode of “Survivor” with you constantly dodging mental obstacles, it’s time to pinpoint and address these soul-sucking elements.
2. Are You Saying ‘Yes’ Too Much?
We all want to be team players, but if your default response is “yes” to every request, you might be digging your own burnout grave. Ask yourself, are you taking on tasks that aren’t in your job description or stretching yourself thin trying to be everything to everyone? Remember, every “yes” you say to someone else is a “no” to yourself. Learn the art of the strategic “no.”
3. When Was the Last Time You Unplugged?
We live in a hyper-connected world where the line between work and personal time is as blurry as Bigfoot footage. When was the last time you truly unplugged? No checking emails in bed, no late-night work texts, just you and some uninterrupted downtime. If you can’t remember, then that’s a glaring red flag. Digital detox isn’t just a trendy term; it’s a necessity.
4. Are You Prioritizing Self-Care or Just Saying You Are?
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are nice). It’s about regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and doing activities that recharge your batteries. Are you genuinely practicing self-care, or are you just paying lip service to it while running on caffeine and adrenaline? If your version of self-care is binge-watching TV while stress-eating chips, it might be time to reassess.
5. Is Your Work Meaningful or Are You Just Clocking In?
Purpose is a powerful antidote to burnout. Reflect on why you do what you do. Is there a sense of fulfillment, or are you merely clocking in and out? Finding meaning in your work can reinvigorate your passion and reduce burnout. If your job feels as meaningful as a soggy cornflake, it might be time to reconnect with your “why” or even pivot to something more fulfilling.
6. What’s Your Social Support System Like?
Human beings are social creatures. Isolation can amplify burnout, while a strong support system can mitigate it. Do you have friends, family, or colleagues you can vent to, lean on, and laugh with? If your social interactions are limited to LinkedIn connections and Instagram likes, you might need to invest more in real-world relationships.
7. Are You Holding Yourself to Unrealistic Standards?
Perfectionism is the perfect recipe for burnout. Are you setting the bar so high for yourself that even a pole vaulter couldn’t clear it? Unrealistic expectations can turn every minor setback into a catastrophic failure in your mind. Embrace the idea that “good enough” can sometimes be, well, good enough. Give yourself permission to be human, mistakes and all.
Lucky Numbers Seven
Burnout is like that toxic ex who keeps trying to weasel their way back into your life. But by asking these seven questions, you can start to understand the root causes of your burnout and take steps to evict it. Remember, recognizing the problem is half the battle. Once you know what’s draining you, you can start plugging those leaks and reclaim your energy, joy, and sanity. Now go on, kick burnout to the curb and get back to being the awesome, unstoppable force you were meant to be.
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Medium, I’m writing the proverbial (no surprise here) sequel to Talk Tech To Me. I take on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplify them for the modern recruiter.
