If you are burnt out but can’t quit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:- Stay away from complaining or negative co-workers. While it may seem validating (they totally agree that the office/department/boss sucks!), it only amplifies your negativity and brings on burnout.

- Seek out colleagues who can talk about things that are NOT work-related. Make it a game - first one to bring up work buys lunch next time.

- Speaking if lunch, get outside the office every day, rain or shine. Even if it’s just down to the corner and back (preferably further.) Change of venue, sun, air, stretching your legs is all good.

- Leave work at the office. Not just literally. But practice not thinking about or dwelling on work-related thoughts when you’re outside work hours. Dreading or stressing about upcoming events or ruminating on past events are both ways to cause burnout. Consider it a meditation practice. When your mind wanders to work, notice it and put the thought in a folder marked “for tomorrow, during the work day.” Then LET IT GO.

Do you still have time to eat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. I’m a teacher and can’t go easy on myself or cut any corners or multiple people suffer and parents complain.

You're definitely not getting a massage every other week or going for a walk during your lunch period. I guess you could go for a 20 minute walk and eat at the same time, but that doesn't sound very stress relieving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:- Stay away from complaining or negative co-workers. While it may seem validating (they totally agree that the office/department/boss sucks!), it only amplifies your negativity and brings on burnout.

- Seek out colleagues who can talk about things that are NOT work-related. Make it a game - first one to bring up work buys lunch next time.

- Speaking if lunch, get outside the office every day, rain or shine. Even if it’s just down to the corner and back (preferably further.) Change of venue, sun, air, stretching your legs is all good.

- Leave work at the office. Not just literally. But practice not thinking about or dwelling on work-related thoughts when you’re outside work hours. Dreading or stressing about upcoming events or ruminating on past events are both ways to cause burnout. Consider it a meditation practice. When your mind wanders to work, notice it and put the thought in a folder marked “for tomorrow, during the work day.” Then LET IT GO.

Do you still have time to eat?

Yes, all of the above help... For everyone saying "I can't do X...If I don't kill myself at work X,Y,Z..." Part of why you are burnout is this mentality. Try to figure out how you can put up better boundaries. If you can't afford therapy, try your employer Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If your employer does not have an EAP, you're insurance probably has and EAP that you can use. If you can't use an EAP, try googling articles on establishing boundaries and try to keep yourself sane by trying to get exercise in some form every day and meditating for even 5 minutes.

And remember, this is just one chapter in your life. This is not your entire life.