We all deal with burnout - whether it’s job related or personal - and knowing how to handle those difficult times in your life in a healthy way is essential to your happiness and long term health.  Striving for balance in life is a skill and requires ongoing attention.  For our Bellingham vascular clinic patients, we offer some tips here on how to manage burnout. 

Whether it’s because of a difficult client, an increased workload, or just simply monotony, we all go through periods of burnout at work from time to time. But the question is, how do you get out of a funk and bounce back before it really affects your job and overall happiness?  Burnout can also impact your health and may possibly put you at increased risk of medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease.  

If you’re looking for tips on how to handle burnout, here are some sources courtesy of The Muse that will offer helpful, insightful and thought provoking ideas about burnout and how to avoid it.

• Never really thought about burnout before? This master post on what burnout is will give you an introduction. (Lifehacker)
• An important rule to remember: Not all burnout is created equal. By understanding the three major types, you can figure out how to tackle your specific case. (99U)
• Treating burnout with a quick vacation or day of laziness won’t make it go away; it’s all about pacing yourself. (The New York Times)
• A lot of burnout comes from employees doing the same thing day in and day out. To get out of this rut, try learning something new. (Forbes)
• At work, don’t be afraid to ask for a change in responsibilities. Limit the amount of things you can’t stand doing, take on other projects, and see what tasks you can swap out with other employees. (The Simple Dollar)
• Switching up your whole routine in general (including the people you talk to and the activities you do after work) can really help you overcome feelings of exhaustion and emotional distress. (Psychology Today)
• Feeling burnt out also may be a sign of a larger issue: You’re not doing what you love regularly. (Kent Nguyen)
• If you need some inspiration, take a look at how the most successful people avoid exhaustion. (Fast Company)
• Learn how to minimize the amount of time you’re working on things you don’t enjoy whatsoever. (The Daily Muse)

Ultimately, burnout cannot be cured with a 3 day vacation.  Finding what motivates you, or doing something you love each day, are the best ways ward off burnout and help keep you happy, productive and healthy.  Here at Northwest Vein Center we support our patients and hope you find ways to enjoy a safe and healthy summer!