Can Burnout Be Prevented Or Treated?

Because burnout is similar to stress, many of the methods for countering stress can help to prevent burnout. It's important to have a solid foundation to help you deal with stress, that means good physical health, eating well, exercising, and sleeping at least 8 hours a night.

The best way to head off job burnout is to quit doing what you're doing and do something else, which may mean changing jobs or changing careers. But you don't feel like that is an option for you, then there are still some things you can do to improve your situation or at least your state of mind. 

Clarify your job description

Ask your boss for an updated job description that covers your duties and responsibilities. It may then be possible for you to point out that some of the work you are doing is not part of your job description. Highlighting disparities may provide you with some leverage by showing that you have been working outside of the parameters of your role. 

Request a transfer

If you work in a large enough organisation you may be able to ask for a transfer. 

Ask for new duties or responsibilities

If you've been doing the same job for a long time, then part of the problem may be that you are bored with your role or that you are not challenged enough in your role. Some small changes in your job may make a big difference to your mental health. 

Look for a new job

Update your resume and check out what other options are out there. You may be surprised to find there are more roles that suit you than you imagined. 

Make a career move or change

Get whatever training you need to make a move into a new career. Maybe you've always dreamed to be a carpenter or a makeup artist. If it's something that you're interested in, the training itself will be interesting, and you may even find that you can get a job in the career of your dreams. 

For more on burnout, click here or here.