Preventing Working Parent Burnout During the Summer

Preventing working parent burnout during the Summer starts now -- before kids have even gotten out of school. Between work, managing the kids' schedules and trying to find time for yourself, it's easy to feel like you're constantly running on empty. And when you're already running low on energy, the thought of adding anything else to your plate can feel impossible.

Summer is almost here, and for many working parents, the busy season is just getting started - and with that comes the possibility of summer burnout. According to a Gallup study, two-thirds of full-time workers experience job burnout, specifically during the summertime. 

And that’s everyone. But working parents are even more burnt out during the summer. 

The truth is, as soon as summer is rolling -- parents do one of two things: 

Panic because they didn't plan anything for their families during the Summer. 

OR 

Panic because they planned everything for their families during the Summer.

The warm weather and longer days of summer are perfect for spending time outdoors with your family. But if you don't plan ahead, the season can quickly become overwhelming.

So what can you do to prevent working parent summer burnout?

First, it’s important to understand what causes it.

Generally speaking, people feel burned out when they feel like they are doing more work than they can handle, or when they feel like their work is never-ending.

With the warmer weather and longer days, many people find themselves working more hours during the summer months. Add in family responsibilities and the constant juggling of work and life commitments, and it’s no wonder that so many of us end up feeling overwhelmed.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent summer burnout:

 1. One of the best ways to avoid getting overwhelmed is to start each week with a plan. Decide what you need to accomplish and make a list of tasks accordingly. This will help you stay focused and on track throughout the day, keeping you from getting sidetracked by distractions.

2. And if you do start to feel stressed, take a break – even just a few minutes to yourself can make a world of difference. Step away from your desk, take a walk outside (if it's not too hot), or simply close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few minutes. Once you’ve had a chance to relax and regroup, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way.

3. Spend time reading with your kids. Of course, we recommend adorable children’s books about bugs, the beach and big feelings. <3

4. When it comes to managing family and work priorities, make sure to give yourself some grace. You don’t have to be perfect – do your best and let go of the rest. In the end, your family will appreciate your efforts more than anything else.

5. Remember to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly will help you stay focused and energized while taking some time for leisure activities that you enjoy can help you decompress from work-related stress.

6. Finally, before you feel burnt out, see how you can get support. Either at work, or at home.  At work, see if there are any company policies or programs that can help you manage your workload. If not, talk to your manager about ways they can lighten your load. It may be possible to delegate some of your tasks to others, or take on a more flexible schedule. At home, talking to loved ones about how you're feeling can be a huge relief. They may be able to offer practical assistance, like taking on some of your household chores or simply provide emotional support. Just knowing that someone cares can make a big difference when you're struggling.

Also: Don't hesitate to reach out for additional help with your medical team if you feel like you are burnout more than normal. Getting some extra support can make all the difference in managing burnout and keeping yourself healthy and happy.

Summer burnout doesn’t have to ruin your season – Making even a few small changes in how you approach summer can make a big difference in how you feel – so don’t wait until burnout sets in to make a change. 

By proactively managing your workload and taking care of yourself, you can avoid summertime burnout altogether.