Navigating Workplace Stress and Burnout as a Woman: Your Guide to Wellness
Workplace stress and burnout are increasingly common struggles I hear about from clients due to our often toxic work culture. Women, in particular, have unique challenges within the workplace, as well as maintaining a balance between work & personal life. Considering the many different roles women tend to fill and the associated responsibilities, balance & self-care can feel nearly impossible. It is crucial to identify specific stressors & evaluate our options, as well as our needs related to self-care. Regular self-care is protective against overwhelm & burnout.
How To Recognize Impending Burnout
Burnout can creep up on any unsuspecting person who hasn't taken the aforementioned steps, as it builds gradually over time. Signs can include irritability, decreased productivity, higher levels of exhaustion, lower-than-average motivation, cynicism towards your work or colleagues, or even disgust. At times like these, our perspective can narrow into a pessimistic worldview. Noticing signs like these indicate a need to reach out for support. This is a great time to check in with your social support network and your therapist.
Strategizing against Burnout
Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries! As difficult as it can be for many women, saying "no" is one of our most valuable work (and life) skills. Have a set end time or weekly hour maximum for work, and stick to it at least 80% of the time. Find organizational tools that work for you & incorporate their use into your daily routine. Things like paper or digital calendars, list apps, and even prioritization software like "Goblin tools" can assist us in managing our time & workload and, therefore, reduce stress.
Regarding self-care, regular exercise, getting enough sleep AND downtime, and practicing mindfulness are scientifically proven strategies. All three bring stress levels down & promote the production of hormones that increase positive feelings and life satisfaction.
Unfortunately for all of us, workplace stress and burnout are a near-universal struggle for women.
Until things change on a systemic level, our responsibility is to manage our emotional status and needs. The truth is that we deserve to have balance in our lives & enjoy them while we're here. As always, if these tips aren't enough to get you where you need to be, reach out to your therapist for help. It's important!
If you need more support
At Sharp Wellness, we understand that life is hard, and we want to help. We have experienced and knowledgeable therapists located in Birmingham, AL, and McKinney, TX.
Book an Appointment or Contact us at contact@sharpwellnessandcounseling.com
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Other Therapy Services at Sharp Wellness
At Sharp Wellness, we know life can be hard. This is why we have locations in Birmingham, AL, and Mckinney, TX to help you with whatever issues you may be facing. Our therapists also offer various therapy services to support you and your family. We offer trauma therapy, teen and adolescent therapy, individual counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, EDMR Therapy, and Group Therapy. We also offer Couple's Intensives at our Mckinney, TX location.
