Kandi Wiens, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master’s in Medical Education program, has found that caring too much about your job can also lead to burnout, not just hating your job. In her book “Burnout Immunity,” Wiens interviewed hundreds of people in high-stress jobs who genuinely love their work and routinely go above and beyond. Those who identify themselves through their work and make personal sacrifices are especially at risk of burnout, particularly in professions such as health care, counseling, and social work. Wiens notes that individuals who prioritize their employer’s needs and goals over their own, such as teachers, activists, and small-business owners, are also vulnerable to burnout.
Self-care is key to preventing burnout, according to Wiens. Setting boundaries, such as not working on weekends or saying no to requests out of fear of disappointing others, can help reclaim time for personal activities and relationships that bring joy. Work-life balance is unique to each individual, and establishing boundaries to protect one’s time, energy, productivity, and overall well-being is crucial. Creating emotional boundaries, such as engaging in activities to separate work from personal life, can also help renew emotional energy after a draining workday. While self-care is important in combating burnout, Wiens emphasizes that ultimately, the responsibility lies with workplaces to address and reduce burnout among employees.
Wiens suggests various strategies for improving work-life balance, such as scheduling “do not disturb” time on your calendar, taking micro-breaks throughout the day, negotiating to work from home, or engaging in activities that help create a clean break between work and personal life. While burnout is recognized as an occupational phenomenon, individuals can take steps to protect their well-being by implementing self-care practices and setting boundaries to prevent overextending themselves. Wiens emphasizes the importance of workplaces taking proactive measures to address burnout and create a supportive environment for employees.
To address burnout, it’s important for individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms and take proactive steps to prioritize self-care. By setting boundaries, engaging in activities that bring joy, and establishing emotional separation between work and personal life, individuals can protect their well-being and reduce the risk of burnout. While self-care is valuable in managing burnout, efforts to prevent burnout should also be a shared responsibility between individuals and their workplaces. Ultimately, creating a supportive work environment and addressing systemic factors contributing to burnout can help mitigate its impact on employees in high-stress professions.
In her book “Burnout Immunity,” Kandi Wiens highlights the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to prevent burnout, particularly for individuals in high-stress professions who are passionate about their work. By taking steps to prioritize personal well-being, establish work-life balance, and create emotional boundaries, individuals can reduce their vulnerability to burnout and protect their mental health. While self-care is a valuable tool in combating burnout, Wiens emphasizes the need for workplaces to address the underlying factors contributing to burnout and create a supportive environment for employees. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to prioritize self-care, individuals can protect their well-being and prevent the negative impact of burnout on their mental health and job satisfaction.
