HBR Working Parents Series Collection (3 Books) (HBR Working Parents Series)

11

How to Refuel When You’re Feeling Emotionally Drained

by Monique Valcour

Quick Takes

• Be aware of your emotional exhaustion and burnout
• Limit your exposure to circumstances that deplete you
• Conserve emotional resources using regulation techniques
• Connect with others, detach from work, and practice mindfulness

Emotional exhaustion lies at the heart of burnout. As your emotional resources are used up in trying to cope with challenging situations—such as overwhelming demands, conflict, or lack of support at work or at home—your sense of well-being and capacity to care for yourself and others are diminished.

In fact, research shows that people suffering from emotional exhaustion experience higher levels of worklife conflict.¹ They may find ...