TIPS TO PREVENT BURNOUT IN THE WORKPLACE UnapologeticallyYOU #
visors in my district, Daisha Ottinger often reminds me, “Don’t let a bad moment turn into a bad day.”
“#Unapologetically ME,” is a hashtag, I often use on my social media platforms, to describe being the most authentic version of myself. This hashtag arose during a time when I was experiencing burn- out, both personally and professionally. I had to ask myself some very tough questions, with the primary one being, “How do I overcome the burnout?” The answer, as I discovered, was to become the change I desired to see. Mental health burnout at work is categorized as the direct result of excessive work-related stresses. The symptoms of burnout include the feelings of being overwhelmed, unmotivated, disconnected, and the continuous cycle of feeling as if work is never done. Honestly, we as Child Nutrition Professionals some- time during our career, if not currently have all ex- perienced burnout. To tackle this, and become #un- apologeticallyME again, I implemented the following #FabFive tips to combat burnout. Prioritize YOU Prioritizing YOU includes taking the time to get prop- er rest and self-care. This includes allowing time after work to rest, relax, and rejuvenate, without distractions. This can include reading your favorite book, exercising, or binge watching your favorite show. Combat Negative Thinking Negative thoughts have the power to keep us in an unpredictable and stressful place. Focusing on the positive, even in the most stressful situations, as- sists in counteracting stress. One of the Site Super-
Ask for Help If you’re like myself, asking for help was self-inter- preted as the inability to do my job. Asking for help often resulted in great idea sharing and applying the best solution possible. Break Large Tasks into Smaller Steps Breaking down tasks into smaller to-dos reduces my feelings of being overwhelmed. I feel GREAT when I’ve accomplished a smaller goal, which I know is a part of the larger objective. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them I realized, I always said, “YES.” This was at the ex- pense of inconveniencing myself and honestly add- ing more than I could handle. The very first bound- ary I set in place was scheduling, “ME” time after work. During this time I was free to do whatever I desired whether it was exercising or simply treating myself to my favorite restaurant. While burnout in the workplace can’t be fully pre- ventable, implementing the above #FabFive tips, will decrease its occurrences. Remember, it begins with YOU, despite the title you hold within your de- partment. Once you have implemented the #Five- Fab and begun the journey to combating burnout in the workplace, encourage your employees and colleagues to do the same, resulting in a newly in- vigorated workplace environment.
Mary Ellen Gilliam, MBA, SNS | MSD Wayne Township, IN Mary Ellen Gilliam, MBA, SNS is the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition for MSD Wayne Township in Indianapolis, IN. She began her career in child nutrition as a dietitian and nutrition manager, in Georgia, before returning to her midwest roots. A proud #BoilerMaker, Mary Ellen earned her Bachelor Degrees in both Nutrition Science & Dietetics from Purdue University. She earned her Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mary Ellen is the youngest of thirteen children. Child Nutrition for Mary Ellen is where Passion meets Purpose.
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