According to various surveys, burnout is at an all-time high. For many, it has become a new normal.
But it does not have to be this way. A recent article from Harvard Business Review provides some suggestions.
First, we need to appreciate that stress is not necessarily bad. In fact, a certain amount of stress is good for us. We can think of this as our “sweet spot” – which is sometimes called “eustress.” When we are in our “sweet spot,” we are neither “too revved up” or not challenged enough, calm yet engaged, relaxed yet fully alert, energized but not overwhelmed.
The HBR article author suggests that we need to fully understand our “sweet spot” – since it is different for everyone. Crossing the line to an unhealthy level of stress can show up as health problems, irritation, impatience, and/or being anxious. Here is what we can do:
*Identify the conditions that keep you in your “sweet spot.” Again, this is different for everyone. Think back to times when you were energized, but not overwhelmed. What got you there and what happened that pushed you over into the negative stress zone?
*Change what you have control over. Once you understand how to get into the “sweet spot,” then do what you can to get there – without going overboard. Control what you can and get your boss on board with this.
*Prioritize work recovery. When you see yourself falling into the negative stress zone, call a “time out” as soon as you can to get back to a more happy and productive place. If this takes a while and you need to weather a storm – then so be it. Make sure to give yourself time to recover afterwards.
*Get by with a little help from your friends. Talk with your co-worker friends about your plan and ask for their support. They can help you identify triggers that will make you negatively stressed and help you with recovery.
In this fast-paced workplace, it is not uncommon for high achievers to inadvertently fall into the negative stress zone. Get to know your “sweet spot” and focus diligently to stay in that zone. This will be a win-win for you and for your organization.
*Ideas for this blog taken from: Wiens, K. “How Burnout Became Normal – and How to Push Back Against It,” Harvard Business Review online, April 23, 2024.
