Photo: Daria Shevtsova for Pexels
Burnout is all too real—and you don’t just have to take our word for it. Last year, the World Health Organization updated its handbook of diseases to include burnout, calling it an "occupational phenomenon" characterized by "feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy.”
If reading through those symptoms just now had you nodding your head in agreement, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent Gallop survey, two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout on the job. So, for fresh tips on how to beat burnout, stay motivated, and get re-energized for work, we turned to some of the most successful women we know (all of whom joined us at our LA 2020 conference!).
Scroll on to find out how Chriselle Lim, Nyma Tang, and more cope with burnout and hit the refresh button.
Adrienne Houghton
Singer, Actress, Talk Show Host, Lifestyle Personality, & Entrepreneur
"I do my best work when I am fulfilled and happy, and I am most inspired and driven when I take the time to reconnect with myself. Spending time with my family has always been, and is increasingly, my top priority, so maintaining efficiency and taking a ‘work smarter, not harder’ approach is huge for me on a daily basis. I gauge my success based on the experiences I am able to share with my family and the legacy I am creating for them."
Anine Bing
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing
“I believe that I’m a better mom because of my work. My goal, every morning, is to have a sit-down breakfast with my family before heading into the office. Spending quality time with my loved ones is really important to me and reminds me why I do what I do—because I do it for them. Parenthood is definitely something that drives me to stay motivated, creative, and energized so I can set a good example for my kids. On weekends, we hike and we do arts and crafts together at home. You need to carve out uninterrupted time to bond. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate cure for burnout!”
Chriselle Lim
Influencer & Entrepreneur
“I’ve burnt out many times in my career, but in the last few years, I’ve learned how to avoid and manage it. One way is to have a digital detox. It doesn’t have to be a full week, but even if it’s just for one day where you don’t have your phone and can plug into something else you love doing. It’s important to find ‘white space’ in your life to have room for more creativity and inspiration to come in. I try to do this every weekend.
I also start off the day with myself! I always start off with something that makes me feel like my best self! For me, that is sweating and working out and having time to do my skincare routine. I wake up two hours before the kids every day so I have that time for myself.
Also, finding a side project/passion project or a hobby is something that is super important. I love my work, but there are times when I need to do something else to feel energized and excited about what I’m doing. I need to step away from my usual day to day to miss it and want to get back into with lots of energy and excitement!”
Clare Vivier
Founder & CEO, Clare V
“When I’m feeling burnt out, there are a few things that can help: an espresso; a walk with my son through Elysian Park; or a weekend spent entirely unplugged.”
Desi Perkins
Digital Content Creator
“I used to work through burn out, but then I realized that I was putting myself at a disadvantage. Your mind and body need to hit the reset button from time to time, so don’t feel guilty about a little self-care. I find gardening is a great way for me to reset and quiet my mind. A clear head always allows me to create my best possible work.
As far as how I stay motivated, I’m actually always motivated. My motivation is directly linked to my creativity. I love creating. It’s truly my passion and what makes me happy. I’ve known that since I was little. I’m a very visual person. I see things in my mind and when I can properly execute them, nothing makes me happier. I get this adrenaline type of rush when I know I’ve created something amazing, and that rush is what ignites more motivation. Then the cycles repeats.”
Heather Dubrow
Performer, Author, Entrepreneur, & Podcast Host
"Whenever I experience burnout, I’ve realized that it is because I have taken on too much at once. As many people have experienced, creative burnout makes jobs that used to feel effortless seem almost impossible to accomplish. Whenever this wave of dread creeps up on me, I stop and asses what it is about my projects that is more draining than fulfilling. I like to use a variation of ‘start, stop, continue’ and decide what is most important to me at that time: Start: What should I start doing? ; Stop: What should I stop doing?; and Continue: What should I continue doing?"
Keltie Knight
Entertainment Tonight Correspondent & Co-Creator of LadyGang Podcast
“I have a very busy work schedule, so it's important for me to constantly be refocusing and staying motivated so that I can balance everything on my plate. I like to do this by exercising, bullet journaling, and walking my dog, Calle. I find that these things force me to take a moment and step away from my hectic life, recharge, and refocus on what I can tackle next.”
Monica Veloz
Content Creator
“I fight burn out by simply taking a step back. At times, as an influencer, you feel like you constantly have to keep pushing through moments such as ‘burnouts,’ but I find when I take care of myself and see my family, whether it’s going to New York for a little while to reset or going on a hike, I find myself producing the best content.”
Nyma Tang
Beauty Influencer & Inclusivity Advocate
“When I’m feeling burnt out, my work tends to suffer, so I need to regroup, re-strategize, and then come back to my project. I usually like to take a day to myself—get my nails done, do my favorite workout, and take a bubble bath. The following morning I’m level-headed, rejuvenated, and ready to jump back into work-mode. I also love a good binge-watch before bed most nights. My two go-to shows right now are ‘Homeland,’ which is new for me, and, for the first time, ‘The Bachelor!’ These girls are crazy but so funny!”
Stassi Schroeder
New York Times Bestselling Author, Reality TV Star, & Podcast Host
“Alone time—it's my form of meditation. I like to turn off my phone, sit on the couch with my dogs, and watch ‘Downton Abbey’ reruns. That little bit of disconnection from the outside world re-energizes me and makes me feel like I can check back in and be ready to work.”
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