Expert reveals: 4 tips against the “exhaustion gap”

Expert reveals:
4 tips to combat the “exhaustion gap” at work

We often have high expectations of ourselves both at work and in our private lives and want to shine in both areas. This means that one or two household tasks are completed before work and work continues after work. There are no breaks even after a stressful day at work because then household chores, appointments or family call. In many cases, the accumulation of duties leads to a so-called “exhaustion gap”. The term describes the enormous exhaustion at work and in your own four walls. It literally means “exhaustion gap”.

Women are more likely to be affected by the “exhaustion gap”.

Compared to men, women are more likely to suffer from the “exhaustion gap,” as a study by LinkedIn reveals. It shows that four out of ten women find it difficult to find a good work-life balance. An international one Survey by the agency “Berlin Cameron” together with “Kantar Profiles” and Eve Rodsky’s “Fair Play” have clearly confirmed the difference between men and women in the “Exhaustion Gap”. Of over 1,000 UK and US workers, 68 percent of US women reported feeling exhausted in the last seven days. For US men, however, it was only 50 percent.

That’s why more women suffer from mental exhaustion

Finding a healthy balance between professional and private life is a big challenge for many people. Since more women than men generally do care work at home and do not want to neglect their careers, they are more likely to be affected by the “exhaustion gap”. Working mothers in particular are at risk of being emotionally and physically overstressed.

LinkedIn career expert Gaby Wasensteiner explains: “We all feel the additional stress of the last few years – although flexible working hours and models help to maintain a positive work-life balance, our studies show that it is more difficult for women to find a balance between private and work life than it is now 20 years ago.”

Career expert reveals: These 4 tips prevent the “exhaustion gap”.

An “exhaustion gap” has a huge impact on work and personal life. It is therefore important to react immediately at the first signs. Career expert Gaby Wasensteiner shares four tips that can help you prevent overwhelming exhaustion and keep a clear head even during difficult work phases.

1. Open and honest communication at work

Instead of suffering from the stress in silence, you should talk to work colleagues and superiors and openly describe your own emotional state. Transparent and honest communication at work and creating a plan together can help you cope with the stress of everyday work more easily.

2. Say “no” in a timely manner

Due to the so-called “hustle culture” we often feel the pressure to invest excessively in the job. In the long term, this lifestyle can lead to mental exhaustion. That’s why it’s necessary to listen to your body and take a timely break when the workload becomes too high. In addition, clear boundaries should be set both in private life and at work. Learn to clearly say “no” when you otherwise won’t have time to recover.

3. Take back control calmly

So that you can keep a clear head even during stressful work phases, it is crucial to find moments of calm. Actively setting aside time for yourself and your self-care is not a luxury, but essential for your health. You can write down these times of break in your calendar as a reminder, for example.

4. Find the right job

If you still can’t maintain a work-life balance despite regular breaks, honest communication with your employer and a healthy workload, it may be time to question your current job. In such a case, you can look for a new job that better suits you and your life.

In order to carry out our tasks and duties in the best possible way, we must first take care of our mental health. In this way, you too can reduce your stress levels and build a stable balance between work and private life.

Sources used: LinkedIn, forbes.com, graziadaily.co.uk, thedrum.com, stylist.co.uk, berlincameron.com

Bridget