The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome that results from chronic workplace stress. Individuals working at any job are at risk of developing burnout. While eliminating stress from work and life seems unrealistic, Soldiers can develop habits and behaviors that help them become more resilient.
A gratitude practice can build your resilience and protect against burnout. Use HPRC's gratitude calendar to recognize all the good you have received. Reflect on the elements of your role you enjoy most and are grateful for. Reconnect with why you chose to join the military and the sense of purpose it might have given you.
Fostering healthy social connections with your Family, friends, peers, and work leadership is another way to prevent burnout. Like exercise, social interaction increases brain chemicals that protect from stress, enhances your tolerance to pain, and promotes well-being. Learn tools to build and strengthen meaningful relationships.
If a particular work-related situation is bothering you, schedule a time to talk with your supervisor about it and chart a plan to move forward and help you achieve your next goals.
While sleep is not a component of the Total Force Fitness framework, it directly impacts performance in most domains. For example, sleep affects your ability to manage stress, self-regulate, read other people's emotions, empathize, choose healthy foods, and get the benefits of exercise. This self-check can help you identify effective ways to improve your sleep.
Start Before the Signs Appear
TFF tools are effective in helping you prevent burnout. If you're not sure how you're performing across the TFF domains, complete this self-check to identify areas of growth and set goals. Focus on what you can control and make daily choices to positively fuel your body and mind.
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