by Steve Limbrunner, ATC

Balancing work and life is kind of like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches. It’s tricky, it’s high-stakes, and sometimes you get burned. Just because it’s challenging doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Taking time to prioritize both work and your own wellbeing is essential, especially if you’re an industrial athlete. With the physical demands of your work, burnout isn’t just exhausting – it’s a safety risk.

Burnout: Recognize It, Avoid It, Repeat as Needed

Burnout is sneaky. It can creep up like an unwanted work email on Friday at 5 p.m., and before you know it, you’re questioning everything from the value of your work to your patience with that one co-worker. (You know the one.)

Mayo Clinic suggests asking ourselves a few questions:

• Do you feel detached from your job?
• Are you dragging yourself into work on autopilot?
• Lost all patience with co-workers, clients, or even that innocent coffee machine?
• If you’re nodding along, burnout might already be knocking on your door.

For industrial athletes, burnout doesn’t just slow you down—it impacts reaction times, focus, and the ability to perform safely. Recognize the red flags early to keep yourself in peak form.

Routine: The Burnout Buffer

Routine might sound mundane, but for industrial athletes, it’s a game-changer. Small, consistent habits like getting up at the same time, squeezing in a workout, or enjoying a morning cup of coffee help keep us focused, resilient, and ready for physical demands.

Routine supports recovery, too, so we can stay strong and safe on the job. And if it gets stale, switch it up! The goal is consistency that empowers us, not monotony that drains us.

Sleep: Recovery Fuel

It’s official: sleep is more than just “nice to have.” Science tells us that sleep isn’t merely about avoiding dark circles; it’s crucial for brain power, mood, energy, and overall health. Sleep boosts everything from memory to blood sugar levels, even helping fight off germs and maintain a healthy weight.

For the industrial athlete, sleep is critical for muscle recovery, quick reflexes, and staying sharp on the job. Sleep is the easiest way to keep burnout and injuries at bay. Make those 7-8 hours of shut-eye a priority.

You Matter Just As Much As Your Work

Work is important, but so are you. Balance isn’t about proving you can push through burnout; it’s about setting yourself up to thrive. Set boundaries, build routines, and protect your rest. Because the best badge you can wear? A well-balanced you, ready to take on each day with focus, energy, and a commitment to both work and well-being – no burnout required.

Steve Limbrunner, ATC || Steve is a Certified Athletic Trainer in Chicago, IL and is Work Right’s chef-in-residence. He has 5+ years of experience, and has worked with varying populations in settings such as High School, College, Youth Sports, and Rehab clinics. During downtime, you will find Steve playing golf, working out, and playing basketball.

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!