How To Recover From Burnout: New Study Hold Surprises

Burnout is a big deal — and it’s often accompanied by mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. You can reduce burnout by shifting elements within your work, but your recreational activities outside of work may be even more important.

New research suggests that there are optimal activities to renew and rejuvenate – so you can make the best choices to reduce your experience of burnout and fatigue and increase your energy and well-being.

A big problem

Burnout not only affects you but also your colleagues, family and friends when you are unable to do your best. And people around the world suffer from burnout. According to a study by Asana of 10,000 knowledge workers in seven countries, 70% of people have experienced burnout in the last year.

Additionally, multiple generations are struggling – 84% of Gen Zs, 74% of Millennials, and 47% of Baby Boomers say they’re burned out. A large number of people also said they felt bad McKinsey Research. Specifically, 25% of Gen Z, 13% of Millennials, 13% of Gen X, and 8% of Baby Boomers reported feeling emotionally distressed because of their low well-being. And 40% of workers believe burnout is an inevitable part of success, according to the Asana report.

solutions

But some new research on recovery may offer solutions. In particular, engaging in activities during weekends or vacations that provide more opportunities to disconnect from work, connect with others, and experience effectiveness will help reduce burnout and increase your energy. That’s according to a study published in the journal Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being.

Here are the characteristics of the activities that have contributed most to recovery and renewal.

#1 – Detachment

According to research, you are best served doing things that are separate from your work and daily routines. When people engaged in work-related activities on weekends, they actually impacted their well-being and energy levels.

So find ways to get away and be diligent about doing things that are different from your everyday routine. Turn off your devices, mute notifications, and resist the urge to check your email or even your LinkedIn feed. Interestingly, physical activity correlated with recovery, so you might find it particularly helpful to run, hike in the woods, or go to the beach with friends or family.

Try to make sure you’re not thinking about work-related content. Read fiction instead of a business book, and tend to spend time with people outside of your circle of friends. The more you can let go, the more you contribute to your well-being.

#2 – Relaxation

Another important way to recover from burnout is to relax as much as possible. The self-care narrative tends to dictate slowing down, walking away, and being alone. And for some, these could be perfect ways to unwind. But also consider what uniquely relaxes you. If you relax by reading a book, great. But if you’re relaxing by hanging out with friends or working hard on a construction project in your community, this is how you spend your time.

The key is to consider your own energy level and define relaxation for yourself – taking action to do what works best for you.