Possible Burnout Causes:

• Lack of control — Inability to influence decisions that affect your job (schedule, assignments, workload) can lead to burnout. As can lack of resources needed to do your work.
• Unclear expectations — Lack of clarity about your autonomy, or what is expected of you, can leave you feeling uncomfortable and drained of energy.
• Dysfunctional dynamics — All types of poor communication and relationships at work can cause you to feel additional stress (bullying, micromanagement, competing, etc.)
• Extremes of activity — Job is monotonous or chaotic, you need energy to remain focused—leads to fatigue or burnout.
• Lack of social support — Isolation at work and/or personal life can leave us to manage stress all by ourselves.
• Work-life imbalances — If your work takes up so much time or effort that you don’t have energy to spend time with family or friends, you can burn out quickly.

Burnout Increased-Risk Factors:

• Heavy workload; long hours
• Imbalances between work and the rest of your life
• Highly involved service professions (such as health care)
• Lack of control over your work

Personal Skills

• Mindfulness — the act of focusing on your breath (or other sensations) to focus your awareness on what you’re sensing / feeling at every moment. Doing this w/o interpretation or judgement. At work, this practice helps us face challenges with openness and patience.
• Evaluate Options — discuss concerns w/ supervisor; See if you can work together to change expectations or reach compromises and solutions. Set goals for what must get done AND what can wait.
• Seek support — be it from co-workers, friends, or loved ones, support and collaboration can help you cope. If you have access to an Employee Assistance Program, take advantage of the relevant services.
• Relaxing activities — you can explore programs such as meditation, yoga, and art.
• Get some exercise — regular physical activity can help you deal with stress; while also taking your mind off of work.
• Get some sleep — regular sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health.