056- How can we avoid burnout in today's demanding environment?

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In the fast-paced, demanding world we navigate today, it's no secret that burnout has become an all-too-common companion. I know that I struggle with it often. The prevalence of burnout among women is now reaching unprecedented levels. Why do you think this is? In this post, we delve into the alarming rise of burnout and gain some insights on why it is happening more frequently.

Burnout, often described as chronic workplace stress that is not successfully managed, is an issue affecting people everywhere. However, recent studies and suggest that women are struggling with this issue more than ever before. The confluence of societal expectations, professional responsibilities, and personal commitments has created a perfect storm, leaving many women feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained.

The numbers concerning burnout among women are staggering. Whether it's the pursuit of a career, the pressures of trying to maintain work-life balance (what is that?!), or the expectations placed on women to fulfill multiple roles simultaneously, the toll is evident. The consequences of burnout are far-reaching, impacting not only an individual's mental and physical health, but also their professional and personal relationships.

The idea to write this post came from listening to Jade Boyd's podcast, "The Business Minimalist", where I heard her say, “The number of women burning out is at an all time high.” I totally believe it. I admit I feel burnt out pretty often. Jade Boyd is a business coach who has a variety of offerings. I get a lot out of listening to her podcast weekly.

"Balancing work and family has always been demanding, but the expectations seem to be escalating," says Jade. "I found myself caught in a cycle of overcommitting, trying to prove myself at work, and feeling guilty for not meeting the perceived standards of a perfect mother and partner. It became a recipe for burnout." Jade's experience echoes the sentiments of countless women who find themselves at the intersection of societal expectations, professional demands, and personal aspirations.

So now what? What do we do to work on this issue? As we confront this growing burnout, it is so important to explore strategies for breaking the cycle. Initiatives such as promoting a culture of work-life balance, redefining societal expectations, and implementing supportive policies in the workplace can make a significant difference. I am constant trying to figure out ways to do all these things in my own life, and with my property management team. One such example that I believe is helping my team is closing early on Fridays. We all take that half-day off and hopefully try to bring a little more work-life balance into our lives.

The surge in burnout among women demands our attention and collective action. It's time to acknowledge the pressures faced by women, address the systemic issues contributing to burnout, and work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment. By sharing our own stories and ideas, we hope to bring to light the challenges faced by many women and inspire meaningful change in the way we approach work, life, and well-being. What do you do to help with burn out and make yourself proud?