Avoid The Great Burnout in 2023: Five Things I’m Doing

February is almost here, and our plans for 2023 are still in focus. There is conversation around what is yet to come in the Year of the Rabbit. Even Pantone’s color of the year sounds lively and uplifting: Viva Magenta (complete with “vim and vigor”). It may seem odd to write about burnout before Valentine’s Day, but being intentional about what you do—and do not—want over the course of the year is a powerful exercise. I’ve always liked the Edwin Louis Cole quote, “There are dreamers and there are planners; the planners make their dreams come true.” Along those lines, let’s examine recent workplace trends and brainstorm ways to avoid “The Great Burnout” in 2023.

You may have heard about The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, Quiet Hiring and The Great Burnout. In a CNBC interview, organizational psychologist and management professor at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School Anthony Klotz said, “The pandemic brought the future of work into the present of work.” For many, that translates into more job flexibility, working remotely and what labor economist Andrew Flowers describes as “greater worker power.” Now more than ever, reimagining your career, schedule and life are within reach. Here are five things I’m doing to avoid burnout this year.

Avoid The Great Burnout in 2023

Honoring My Time Off

The pull to be available 24/7 and to monitor work messages off the clock is strong. Allowing work to bleed into personal time on a regular basis can impact your mental health and may put on a strain on your closest relationships. The data is pretty somber regarding the toll of working long hours or overtime—you’ll note depression, anxiety, hypertension and other health issues show up in this NIH study. All the more reason to create a healthy separation between your work and your personal life. Closing my laptop and putting it away, turning off my home office light, silencing notifications and quickly changing out of my work clothes—complete with a fresh spritz of my favorite fragrance—helps to shift my focus.

Replenishing My Relationships

There are so many possibilities for infusing your most valued relationships with extra care and attention. The trick is to move from dreaming to planning and ultimately, doing. I am committing to making the Airbnb reservations and blocking my work calendar to protect the time away. Sometimes what our children want most is our undivided attention—no matter their age. I’m keeping this top of mind and setting the tone by spending regular one-on-one with my family.

Voicing What Works Best for Me

Have you found yourself saying “whatever works best for you” or “whatever is easiest” by default? I know I have. I’m committing to being more clear about my preferences in the workplace and in my personal relationships. It’s possible to be open about your ideal scenario while also practicing flexibility. You may even find those around you welcome and appreciate your speaking up. Once you’ve found your voice, you won’t go back. The book, The Four Agreements has four simple agreements that are often a challenge to implement. The first is to be impeccable with your word. It’s something I am committed to doing in 2023. Doing good for others means saying yes to my own needs first and voicing what works best for myself and my family.

Protecting My “Deep Work” Blocks

Without consistent, focused work, it’s a struggle to set business responsibilities aside. To better understand deep work, the following from Cal Newport may be helpful: “To produce at your peak level you need to work for extended periods with full concentration on a single task free from distraction.” I have found that I get so much more accomplished when distractions and interruptions are out of the picture. I am better able to put my worries on pause when I let those around me know I’ll be out of pocket, but your approach may vary.

Scheduling Wellness

Each of us has routines that comfort us and help us feel more creative. Working from home means access to these pick-me-ups is often steps away. Just as I would take breaks in a traditional office setting, I’m extending myself the same kindness in my home workspace. Staying on top of medical appointments, from dental cleanings to annual check-ups, physical therapy and whatever else is vital for you to feel your best is a must. Who knew midday showers would be trending for remote workers—but I love the idea!

I believe there are blessings waiting for each of us. I recently shared a video about leading with love in the midst of life’s challenges. I hope the message resonates with you.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

You may also like Five Ways to Reignite the Spark in Your Career. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.