5 Tips for Expats to Avoid Burnout at Work

by David Tompkins

5 Tips for Expats to Avoid Burnout at Work

International living is not a cakewalk for everyone. In just a matter of months, you may start hating a place which you initially loved the most. This is what burnout can do even to a mentally strong person. Getting burnt out at work is common among expats, no matter how successful they are as professionals.

If you are having these negative feelings creeping in, you are on the verge of getting burnt out. If you are fed-up with living and working abroad and want to return home as soon as you can, this feeling is referred to as expat burnout. It can come at any stage of your expatriate life. However, there are some ways to avoid falling into the burnout mode. Here are five vital tips that will assist you in preventing burnout as an expat

Find the Root Cause

It is important to figure out the sources that trigger expat burnout. This will assist you in dealing with this issue. Directly pinpointing the reasons may be a difficult task. However, a little introspection may help you identify the underlying issues that are bothering you from within, and their root causes. You may have many questions to ask yourself. Is your work life so intolerable? Can you afford to leave everything and return home earlier than planned? Are you putting your career at risk by deciding to leave your expat destination?

Many a time, expats get exhausted because of emotional setbacks like divorce, breakups, isolated life, language barrier, etc. If you know the actual reasons that are causing this negative feeling, try to analyze and see if there is a solution. Find friends outside of work, keep healthy communication with family back at home. Sometimes it could just mean you didn’t prioritize self-care. Moving abroad is no easy task, and you must give time to settle in completely.

avoid burnout at work

Take Time Off from Work

Another way to avoid burnout from work is to take some time off. Depending on your work schedule and financial situation, you can plan a day or weekend trip to a nearby holiday destination to relax and unwind. Taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries is important for your mental health. If you are traveling to a nearby city to meet a friend, it can surely help in boosting your mood.

avoid burnout at work

Explore the City You Live In

If you can’t go on long holidays due to time and financial constraints, you can think about exploring your current city. Hop into a new café or restaurant and try something new! Visit the hot spots in your city, including museums, or spend some time bird watching in a park. We are often stuck in our mundane daily routines. So, go on short trips around the city when you feel exhausted or feel as if you are reaching a breaking point. These small breaks from work can act as great stress busters.

avoid burnout at work

Stay Active

A few physical activities can help you get out of that burnout zone. Enroll yourself in a yoga or fitness class. You can also join a sports club to play your favorite sport and stay active. Experts believe that physical activities can help in boosting mental and physical health apart from improving your mood. If fitness training is not your thing, go for long walks in your neighborhood. Getting some fresh air will do good for you and your mood.

avoid burnout at work

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Lastly, to avoid burnout at work, surround yourself with inspiring people. Being in a positive environment is essential for your development. Life can’t be a bed of roses at all times. So, try to embrace the good things in life and get rid of the negative feelings that may be haunting you for months. Soon you will realize that the disgusting burnout feeling will disappear from your life. You can have a better expatriate life if you endeavor for inner peace and happiness.

Finding Work-Life Balance

As expats, global nomads, and global citizens, it’s important to find work-life balance. It’s the only way to ensure you do not exhaust yourself too early.

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