The pandemic stirred up serious discussions about the sacrifices made by American workers and how to create a healthy work-life balance. But it seems the buzz is fading away.
A recent Glassdoor study from April showed that mentions of burnout by employees have skyrocketed by 32% since the beginning of last year, hitting the highest notes since 2016. This surge in job-related stress isn’t surprising, considering that the U.S. sits at No. 59 on the global work-life balance index created by Remote.com. They looked into factors like mandatory vacations, healthcare access, public safety, and how many hours people work weekly.
So, what can workers do to alleviate some stress? Maisha Wynn, a lifestyle expert and author of “The Wynning Way,” shared some valuable tips with CBS News.
She mentions that the early hours of your workday are when your energy levels are at their peak, making it the ideal time to tackle tasks that require focus—like Zoom meetings, project planning, or brainstorming sessions. But as the day drags on and energy dips, it’s better to shift your focus to less demanding tasks like responding to emails.
Wynn also emphasized the importance of forming “micro routines” during the day. These are small habits that make your day a little brighter, even if you can’t step away from your workspace. She suggests doodling or tuning into your favorite music as low-key ways to give yourself a much-needed breather.
Setting clear boundaries is also a game-changer to prevent burnout, Wynn points out. It’s vital to politely decline requests at times, even when it feels awkward.
Wynn’s mantra is, “How can you be good to others unless you’re great to yourself first?” Remember, self-care is priority number one!
