Whether you classify yourself as a lone wolf or you are certainly a social butterfly, being a part of a team is a necessity in life. If you want to surpass your goals both professionally and personally, you will probably need a helping hand.
But what do you do when you cannot contribute to a team due to personal feelings of burnout? After all, some say that a team is only as strong as its weakest player. Fortunately, that is not at all true. Teams are built to support and lift up each and every member. There are plenty of ways you can work on being a team player, even when you really need a break. Keep reading to find out how.
Be sure to acknowledge your limitations.
When it comes to the workplace, we all want to seem like Superman. Unfortunately, we all have limits that we will reach sooner or later. Acknowledging these limits and being unable to go on does not make you weak, it makes you human.
In fact, it is best for your team to communicate your limitations ahead of time. This way, your team can plan for extra help or assistance when necessary. You cannot do it all, but truly, you do not have to.
Communicate your needs.
As convenient as it would be, your teammates cannot read your mind. If you feel yourself approaching your limits or are in need of a break, be sure to let them know. Healthy communication is the hallmark of any positive partnership, and that includes working with your teammates. When you are feeling less burnt out, you can implement this strong communication throughout your entire team.
Offer support when you can.
Even when you are feeling tired and burnt out, in order to be a strong team player, you should still try to offer support in the areas that you can. This does not mean taking on additional work projects or anything too intensive. Simply offer words of encouragement to your team. A little bit will go a very long way.
Learn ways to cope with burnout.
The good news about needing a break is that there are ways to recover. No matter how burnt out you may be feeling now, I promise, by implementing a few of the following, you will begin to recover.
- Keep firm boundaries: Feeling exhausted from the workplace usually comes from a lack of firm boundaries. It may start with checking your email on the weekend and could escalate to working twelve-hour days. Keeping your personal and professional life separate is the best way to keep your life your own.
- Practice rigorous self-care: There is nothing better to relieve burnout than a little pampering. However, self-care is not just a spa day or massage. Self-care comes in all forms. For example, cooking yourself a nice meal or going on a long walk are also forms of self-care.
- Utilize your support system: The people in your life want to help you be the best version of yourself. If you need an extra bit of help from your teammates, let them know. They will want to help you succeed.
Of course, if you feel the need or desire to expand your support network, seeking help from a trained professional is never a bad idea. With the help of a therapist, you can figure out ways to get your burnout under control so you can bounce back to being the best team player you can be. Take a look through my website to see if we would be a good fit. If you believe we would be, I encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment today for anxiety therapy to help with burnout.