Burnout prevention strategies for the introverted professional

HAVE you ever felt like your brain was one of those viral egg experiments — cracked open and sizzling on a bare pavement that is much too hot? If so, you may have been experiencing signs of burnout (and probably dehydration).

- GOLDIE CHAN

Taking short, mindful breaks throughout the day enables you to reset mentally and replenish your cognitive energy.

(Freepik)

As an introverted professional, I've been there many times in my career. Over the years, I've developed healthy reflective coping methods to recharge my batteries and prevent — or at least combat — that intense feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

As an introvert, you're likely to think more deeply and be more overwhelmed during events, big meetings or conferences - and that takes a lot of energy. Performing personal branding steps like making content, networking or being active online can be really tiring for you.

Setting boundaries is the ultimate learned superpower for an introvert to combat the drowning feeling of being overwhelmed, both in your daily life and at big events like conferences. It allows you to decide when and how you interact with others, which helps keep your mental health in check and allows you to show up as the best version of yourself at work.

Here are four ways to think about boundaries as an introverted professional:

While organising my own work week, I think of this quote by Stephen Covey: “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Focus on what is the most important work task for your week and use an energy-first approach to encourage your own balance and focus.