How can you recognize when to take a break and prevent burnout?

2 Set boundaries

The second step to prevent burnout is to set boundaries and limits for yourself and others. Boundaries are the rules and expectations that define what you are willing and able to do, as well as what you are not. Establishing boundaries can protect your time, energy, and resources; communicate your needs and preferences clearly; help you avoid taking on too much; respect your rights and responsibilities; and maintain a balance between your work and personal life. Examples of boundaries include defining your role and scope of practice as a peer supporter, negotiating your workload with your supervisor or organization, declining requests or tasks that are outside your competence or comfort zone, asking for feedback when needed, and referring or transferring clients who need more or different support than you can offer.

3 Practice self-care

The third step to prevent burnout is to practice self-care, which is the act of taking care of your own physical, mental, and emotional health. This can help reduce stress and prevent illness, boost your mood and energy, enhance your resilience and coping skills, improve your self-esteem and confidence, and nurture your interests and passions. To practice self-care, you should get enough sleep and rest, eat well and stay hydrated, exercise regularly and stay active, relax and meditate, seek professional help if needed, engage in hobbies and leisure activities, connect with friends and family, or join a peer support group or network.

5 Review your values

Reviewing your values and goals as a peer supporter is the fifth step to prevent burnout. Values are the principles and beliefs that guide your actions and decisions, while goals are the outcomes and achievements you want to accomplish. By reviewing your values and goals, you can remind yourself of your purpose and passion, align your actions with your values, celebrate your progress and successes, identify any challenges or areas for improvement, and adjust your expectations and priorities. Examples of values and goals include providing empathy and hope to others, sharing your lived experience and recovery journey, empowering and inspiring others to make positive changes, advocating for yourself and others, and learning and growing as a peer supporter.