By John Hayden

More than 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs last year. Some to maximize new opportunities, others chose to reset their work-life balance, while still others left to change careers entirely. But what many of them all have in coUnitedHealthcare’s Dr. Marigene Hartker says burnout is a specific type of work-related stress. So with that simmering in the background, it mmon is a growing feeling of burnout.

Millions of people keep the same job, even while everything else in their lives (relationships, housing, financial obligations, etc.) changes. was easy to grow to a full boil when compounded with the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. From quarantines, learning to work from home and losing office interactions, to the general unpredictable nature of COVID, it can be a shock to the system. “It’s normal to feel checked out or to struggle with your job from time to time, but when it turns into a daily issue, it may be something more,” Hartker says.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, characterized by three dimensions: feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from your job, and less professional efficacy. These aren’t things that happen overnight, where you wake up one day just overloaded. They build up gradually and, if left untreated, can lead to physical and mental health issues.

UnitedHealthcare’s Dr. Hartker has five helpful tips to deal with burnout: 

1. Communicate with your boss: Discussing your concerns with a supervisor may help you find solutions to things that are causing ongoing stress.
2. Reach out to your social circle: Co-workers, friends and family may be able to offer the encouragement or ideas you need to help overcome feelings of burnout. Spending time with people you care about may help boost your mood and counteract the negative feelings you might be having at work. 
3. Take advantage of your health benefits: Work-related risk factors for burnout may also be predictors of depression. Consider accessing other resources available through your health plan, such as virtual behavioral therapy  
4. Stick to healthy routines: Well-balanced meals, regular exercise and quality sleep all help to reduce stress and can improve how you feel and perform at work.
5. Find ways to calm your mind: Consider trying yoga, meditation or breathing techniques to improve your mental health. 

Dr. Hartker says it may be helpful to think of burnout as a wake-up call. It’s a strong sign that something in your life is not working, so it’s important to take it seriously. Use it as an opportunity to reflect, rest and, perhaps, create a new plan for professional happiness.

After 2+ years of pandemic and uncertainty, now is a chance to recognize anxiety and turn it into opportunity, and these tips could be a foundation for a fresh start.