Burnout, Balance, and Why Work From Home Isn’t Working
Jun 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Shirley Leung, columnist at the Boston Globe, discusses how working from home is no longer effective post-pandemic, the mental health challenges we still face, and the importance of setting realistic priorities. The podcast explores strategies for preventing burnout, navigating work-life balance, and setting boundaries for a healthy lifestyle.
Setting boundaries is crucial for preventing burnout and achieving work-life balance.
Avoiding multitasking and focusing on single tasks can enhance productivity and prevent burnout during remote work.
Deep dives
Navigating Overcommitment and Burnout
The podcast explores the theme of overcommitment and burnout, highlighting how individuals often say yes to commitments despite feeling overwhelmed. The host shares personal experiences of overcommitting, such as juggling work responsibilities with attending children's activities. Through a guest's journey of facing burnout after the pandemic, the discussion delves into the impacts of stress on mental and physical health. The episode emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, acknowledging the challenges of balancing work and family obligations.
Addressing the Impact of Remote Work
The episode discusses the challenges of remote work and the struggle to maintain focus and productivity. Insights from experts, including strategies like working from 'near home' to establish boundaries between work and personal life, are shared. The importance of avoiding multitasking and focusing on single tasks to enhance productivity and prevent burnout is highlighted. The conversation explores the shift in work habits and the need for designated spaces for deep work.
Coping Strategies and Recovery Techniques
The podcast delves into coping mechanisms and recovery strategies for managing burnout. It explores the significance of incorporating activities like deep breathing, physical movement, and quiet reflection to combat stress. Insights from experts on reducing anxiety and improving focus by avoiding distractions like constant email and social media notifications are conveyed. The episode underscores the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to create a healthier work-life balance.
Shifting Perspectives on Achievement and Work-Life Balance
The episode reflects on changes in perspectives regarding work-life balance and achievement culture, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The discussion touches on societal shifts towards valuing family time and personal well-being over constant productivity. Insights are shared on redefining success by setting realistic timelines, prioritizing quality over quantity, and recognizing the importance of self-care. The conversation highlights the evolving expectations around parenting responsibilities and the need to create a supportive workplace culture to prevent burnout.
Shirley Leung is a columnist at the Boston Globe and host of the podcast Say More, and in 2020, she hit “rock bottom.”Being stretched on all sides for years finally took its toll and she realized her work life balance needed a change. Four years later, Shirley went on a quest to better understand how to deal with and prevent burnout at work. In this episode, she talks with host Morra Aarons-Mele about how working from home no longer works for many people, the mental health challenges we still feel post pandemic, and being realistic about our priorities.