Anne Beaulaurier has had to deal with many things as field camp manager at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica, including cabin fever, being overworked, and social isolation, writes Arianne Cohen for Bloomberg.
With a job description that includes sometimes hiking for miles to troubleshoot a heater issue or managing the accidental delivery of 1,000 pounds of food, exhaustion is a given.
Still, she manages to avoid burnout with several simple techniques.
First, she advises changing your perspective on things. For example, sometimes she has to abandon days of work due to a change in plans.
“One perspective is that you’re undoing your work and redoing it,” said Beaulaurier. “The other perspective is that you’re pivoting to this new plan.”
Another important thing to do is to find some “me time.” Beaulaurier always makes sure to book some exercise or outdoor time when she is busiest.
“It’s like hitting a reset button,” she said.
Being creative is also important. Her hobbies now include knitting, something she previously considered herself too busy for. Trying something that will engage your brain, such as crossword puzzles, is also a good idea.
Read more tips on how to avoid burnout at Bloomberg by clicking here.
