- Kara Dennison is an HR professional and founder of Optimized Career Solutions.
- The New Yorker talked about how to fight burnout in a recent TikTok video
- Read more: I’m a psychologist and this scary thing can cure burnout
A career coach reveals the one change you can make outside of work to reduce stress and avoid burnout.
Kara Dennison, founder of Optimized Career Solutions, has over 45,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares tips on resume writing, job hunting, and career advancement.
The New Yorker, who goes by the handle @karadennisonsphr, started the new year by addressing job burnout, a condition of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress at work.
Dennison explained that constant fatigue, disinterest in work, and poor performance are all signs of burnout, but there are simple ways to combat this occupational phenomenon.
This expert says, “I highly recommend pursuing a hobby or interest outside of work. It gives your brain and yourself something to look forward to throughout the week.” .
This could be gaming, surfing, knitting, painting, or other activities that provide a creative escape and reduce stress.
A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that participating in leisurely activities improves mood, reduces stress, and lowers heart rate.
Dennison said having a hobby can be especially beneficial for high achievers, leaders and workaholics like herself.
“Sometimes, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, all you think about is work,” she explained. “You’re just thinking about work…and you find that it’s taking up your whole life.”
“So if you can focus your attention on something other than work and allow your brain to process things in the background, you can actually be more innovative and creative.”
Another study published in the Journal of Handling and Organizational Psychology suggests that employees who pursue creative hobbies outside of work perform better at work.
Slowly working on something you’re passionate about may help you become a better leader.
In 2018, Harvard Business Review identified dozens of S&P 500 CEOs who have “serious leisure” interests in which to invest their time.
Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman said in an interview with Fortune that she owes her success to her taekwondo practice.
“I truly believe that Taekwondo teaches you independence. If you’re looking for ways to get better, you’re the only one who will improve,” she said. “And I think independence is an important skill for people living in the corporate world.”
PayPal CEO Dan Schulman also believes that practicing martial arts has made him a better leader, teaching him to stay calm in times of crisis and avoid unnecessary fights. said.
“I learned more about leadership from martial arts than from formal education,” he said in a keynote speech at Rutgers Business School.
In the video’s caption, Dennison reiterated that hobbies are “essential for mental health” and “perfect for workaholics and overachievers.”
‘Immerse yourself in your favorite pastime and discover how it enhances your creativity and problem-solving skills,” she advised.
“When you have too much work to do, remember that hobbies are a strategic ally to help you stay focused and avoid burnout.”
