Burnout Nuggets: Connection to Others

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about burnout. Two weeks ago, in Burnout and YOU, we discussed that burnout is, in many ways, a response to depletion that has very real physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. 

Last week, in Burnout Nuggets: Connection to Self, we talked about the importance of connecting with yourself to help you build your resilience. In that post, we gave some examples we’ve found helpful in both our own lives and in the lives of our clients.

Today, we’re sharing some details and examples to help you think about simple ways to connect to others.

Somedays you may find that you need time alone to connect with yourself and other days it may feel better to connect with others. We’d suggest getting into the habit of pausing and asking yourself each day,

“What do I need today to refuel myself?”

If you recognize you need time to connect with others to refuel, consider the following suggestions:

• Try a group zoom to connect with loved ones that are far away.
• Contact someone to let them know you’re thinking about them.
• Share a laugh.
• Collaborate or create something fun together.
• Host a “beating burnout” challenge with friends or colleagues.
• Take a walk at lunch with another person.
• Ask for support.
• Invite someone to coffee.
• Practice daily gratitude with a friend.
• Let someone know you appreciate them.
• Watch a movie or video with a loved one.
• Enjoy the connection with people at your grocery store, bank, coffee shop, etc. Even quick conversations can be fueling.
• Practice random acts of kindness.
• Discuss with a close friend the ways you can both offer your talents to the world.
• Regularly share your top strengths and skills with colleagues.
• Connect with a monthly support group.
• Seek out support from a therapist, physician, pastor, or coach.

Click here if you’d like to download a PDF with the lists from last week and this week.

Nurture your relationships—particularly ones that leave you feeling fueled. Connecting with others is key to your health and wellness, and can help you to feel like you’re “in this together.”

Remember, it’s important to start small, so we suggest finding one “go to” thing from this list and one from last week’s list, and try them out. 

What ideas for connection with others would you suggest?