Balance or Burnout: The Decision Only You Can Make
Burnout often occurs when we forget that we have a choice. Not a choice to abandon our calling but a choice to stop overextending ourselves, to stop pushing ourselves too hard, to stop believing that self-sacrifice is part of the job, and most importantly, to honor our needs with compassion.
In healthcare, no matter how chaotic things become, we keep telling ourselves we can manage it. Feeling overwhelmed is just part of the job, so we’ll rest next weekend, sleep on our day off, and breathe again during our next vacation. We endlessly justify why we keep pushing.
But what happens when stress turns into exhaustion? When exhaustion turns into mistakes, frustration, and detachment?
I’ve seen it firsthand.
The nurse who double-checks a medication order five times because her brain is foggy from lack of sleep. The doctor who snaps at staff and patients, not out of disrespect, but because they haven’t had a moment to sit, eat, or even breathe between back-to-back appointments. The healthcare worker who can’t remember the last time they had an uninterrupted weekend off.
And the cost? It’s not just personal.
When we’re physically drained, emotionally depleted, and mentally scattered, it doesn’t just affect us—it affects our patients, our colleagues, and the quality of care we provide.
But choosing to live a balanced life can change that.
Balance Isn’t an Abstract Ideal — It’s the Foundation That Holds You Together
When most people hear the word balance, they imagine an unrealistic ideal: perfectly dividing their time and energy between work, rest, family, self-care, exercise, social life, and more.
But that’s not balance.
You create balance when:
- You make space for yourself, not just your responsibilities.
- You recognize that your well-being matters as much as those you care for and that rest isn’t something you earn only after total exhaustion.
- You acknowledge that your time, energy, and attention must be protected, not just given away.
Not too long ago, a doctor friend who supports my coaching approach said, “Look, in theory, I understand perfectly what a balanced life is. But how do we create and live it in a world that never stops demanding more from us?”
My answer? Living a balanced life is a choice. You decide how you spend each day, how you live, and how you want to be remembered. You start small. You start where you are. You start now.
And the first step? Ask yourself: How do I feel right now—in my body, in my environment, in what I do, and how I relate to others? Then listen.
The answers will show up in subtle and not-so-subtle ways: headaches that never go away, sleep that never feels restful, nagging back pain, mindless eating, or mood swings. The struggle to wake up in the morning, constant irritation over small things, and fading joy for what once excited you aren’t random symptoms. They may be signals from your inner compass telling you something is out of balance.
And once you see it, you can’t ignore it. Because awareness without action won’t create change.
Creating balance doesn’t mean Overhauling Your Entire Life
Creating balance begins with pausing to notice what’s working and what’s quietly wearing you down. It’s about making intentional choices, one at a time, because lasting balance isn’t achieved through big, dramatic changes. The goal is to shift how you show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways.
- Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them): Boundaries aren’t just about saying no—they’re about choosing what’s right for you. They’re about honoring your energy, protecting your peace, and making space for what truly matters. You don’t have to be available 24/7. You don’t have to pick up every extra shift. You don’t have to feel guilty for prioritizing your well-being.
Ask yourself: What’s one boundary I can set this week to protect my time and energy?
2. Prioritize yourself like you prioritize others: You’re always checking on others, ensuring everyone is okay, but when did you check in on yourself? Your health, your rest, your happiness, it all matters.
Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a short walk outside, or an actual meal break, start treating self-care as a non-negotiable, not an afterthought.
3. Let go of perfectionism: Healthcare demands precision, but perfectionism is a trap. You’re human. You won’t always have the correct answer. You won’t always get everything done in an height, twelve hours shift or even a day. And that’s okay.
Give yourself permission to be good enough. To rest, even when there’s more to do.
4. Be where your feet are: It’s easy to get lost in the chaos, thinking about the next patient, the next task, the next thing on your to-do list. But balance comes from being present.
Take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the floor. Drink water with intention. Let each sip remind you that you are here, alive, and allowed to pause. Pause before reacting.
Even in the busiest moments, grounding yourself can make all the difference.
5. Lean on people who get it: You don’t have to do it all alone.
Find your people—the ones who understand what you’re going through. A friend, a mentor, a colleague who reminds you that you’re not in this fight by yourself. Because balance isn’t just about time, energy and attention. It’s also about connection, and you deserve support just as much as you give it.
I won’t pretend that creating a balanced life is easy. It’s not. And the hardest part? It’s not a destination. It’s an ongoing process, a dynamic dance where you must constantly pause, reassess, adjust, let go of what no longer serves you, and recommit to what truly matters. Balance isn’t something you achieve once and for all. It’s something you practice, moment by moment, choice by choice.
The demands of healthcare are real. The pressures are heavy. But here’s what I know: You have more power than you think. You can choose to protect your time. You can choose to set boundaries. You can choose to care for yourself without guilt.
And when you do?
You show up stronger, healthier, and more fulfilled—not just for your patients, but for yourself.
So, tell me, what’s one small step you can take toward balance today?
If this article resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with a friend, a colleague, or someone who might quietly need it today.
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