Burn out is a real concern...for everyone...but I find the effects of being surrounded by cynical school agers who tell you on a regular basis that "you suck" and roll their eyes every time you start singing opera (I mean, what's wrong with them??) can be particularly draining on your self-esteem. Here is what I do to try to keep the stressed/depressed/overwhelmed fog at bay.
Self-Care - Figure out what makes you happy, re-energizes you, brings you joy and then make time to do it regularly. For me, that looks like alone time in the morning and long walks on the week end. Also, podcasts; lots of podcasts.
Purpose - Find out what you are trying to accomplish in the workplace. Why do you do what you do every day? Make it a compelling reason. If you can't think of something, maybe you should find a new job. You're obviously not doing what you want to do with your life. Once you've found it, focus on that one big goal and let the little things go.
Relationships - Human beings were designed to live within a community and we need other people for a balanced and healthy life. Find a support group that will be there when you need them. Use them and let them use you. Coworkers are great for rants, good friends can get you outside of your work and give you great, stimulating conversations, and husbands have ideal shoulders for crying all over.
Creativity - I believe there is a creative person hiding in each and every one of us. Even if you feel like you're not good at it, get creative anyway. It is more about the process than the end result. Getting creative can get us outside of ourselves and our little problems. Don't forget to enjoy other people's creativity as well!
Celebration - Find reasons to celebrate the little victories of our lives. Use every opportunity you have to reflect on how far you've come in your field of work. Brag up what you're doing to yourself and other people. Don't underestimate it. Balloons should be involved. Go big or go home.
And just remember. You're doing a good job. Trust me. You really are.
~ A
Those are all really good points! What do you do for creativity these days?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am pretty bad at cultivating creativity, actually. I would say cooking is the main one for me.
ReplyDeleteI love this!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily!
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