Burnout Prevention from The Inside Out AND the Outside In
Burnout is a major buzzword recently. Burnout is the result of chronic exposure to stress. Traditionally this term is used to describe a work-related stress syndrome, but is applicable to non-work related stress as well, such as being a caregiver for a loved one or a parent. The impact on health leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of isolation, health issues such as inflammation, digestive and cardiovascular disorders, chronic pain, irritability, difficulty in relationships, the use of substances, depression, and anxiety.
Burnout was overwhelmingly prevalent for those in caregiving professions and personal caregivers far before the pandemic arrived, but the pandemic hit caregivers especially hard. Many different people are experiencing next-level burnout, but it’s important to note that people in BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities are more likely to experience burnout due to systemic racism, bigotry, and inequality.
Burnout prevention is something we can begin long before a crisis arrives, but burnout needs to be prevented both from the INSIDE OUT and the OUTSIDE IN.
Preventing burnout from the INSIDE OUT is self-care. It includes stress management, emotional and nervous system regulation, self-compassion, exercise, nutrition, asking for help, and having healthy boundaries. We begin to turn these healthy life practices into habits creating lasting change and support when we need it most.
If we implement different self-care strategies that are helpful in preventing burnout, we may feel more grounded and resilient when challenges arise. This does not mean we can avoid feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted all of the time, but when we have resources that we already know work to support us, we may be able to come back into balance quickly without the chronic impacts long term burnout has on our health and wellbeing.
Real Talk: All of the self-care in the world isn’t going to help enough when systemic and structural change needs to happen in order for people to get the support and care they need.
Burnout also needs to be prevented from the OUTSIDE IN.
For employers, preventing burnout also takes foresight and compassionate action steps to lead their employees to do their jobs well without negative consequences to their health. People need safe, equal, and healthy workspaces. By creating a workplace on a foundation of wellness, trust, and support, the health and vitality of employees will contribute to the health and vitality of the business so everyone wins.
On a societal level, to prevent burnout in our workforce and families, ALL people need to be safely housed, have access to healthy and nutritious food, have healthcare, and get paid a wage that allows them to support themselves and their families. Also, people need to have time for self-care, rest, and to be with loved ones.
Burnout prevention is a shared responsibility between ourselves, our employers, and our elected government officials. This is a public health matter for many people in our communities.
I wholeheartedly believe in self-care as a practice, but it is not something that self-care practices can solve alone.
Photo Credit: Bob Gates