Let’s break down what you can do to prevent or recover from burnout as a PSW while continuing to provide excellent care to your clients.
Table of Contents
1. Prioritize Self-Care Outside of Work as a PSW
You spend most of your time caring for others—but who’s caring for you? Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Try this:
- Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals
- Take time for hobbies and relaxation
- Exercise regularly to release endorphins
Even simple activities like a walk in nature or 10 minutes of meditation can help you feel recharged.
2. Set Emotional Boundaries
As a PSW, it’s easy to become emotionally involved in your clients’ lives—but absorbing too much emotional stress can quickly lead to compassion fatigue and burnout.
What to do:
- Remind yourself that your role is to support, not to “fix” everything.
- Talk to a supervisor or counselor when cases feel overwhelming.
- Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing to manage stress in real time.
You can be compassionate without sacrificing your own emotional health.
3. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time
Chaotic workdays create unnecessary stress. A little time management can go a long way in making your day more manageable.
Practical strategies:
- Use checklists to track client care tasks
- Group similar duties to minimize back-and-forth
- Keep a notebook or app for reminders and time tracking
A clear plan reduces stress, boosts efficiency, and helps you leave work at work.
4. Seek Support from Colleagues
You’re not alone. Other PSWs are experiencing similar challenges. Building a support network at work can make your job more sustainable and less isolating.
Ideas:
- Join workplace peer support groups
- Debrief with a trusted co-worker after a difficult shift
- Share resources or tips with your team
Talking about your experiences with someone who understands can reduce emotional strain and build camaraderie.
5. Know When to Say “No”
Many PSWs feel guilty declining extra shifts or saying no to last-minute schedule changes. But overcommitting can quickly lead to exhaustion.
How to protect your limits:
- Be honest about your capacity with supervisors
- Don’t accept overtime if you’re already fatigued
- Take your breaks—both during shifts and between shifts
Boundaries protect your long-term ability to care—not only for others but also for yourself.
6. Utilize Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential access to counselors, mental health services, and wellness support.
- Free or low-cost therapy sessions
- Stress management workshops
- Financial or legal advice to reduce life stressors
Check with your HR department to see what support is available. Using these resources is a proactive step, not a sign of weakness.
7. Continue Your Education and Training
Feeling stuck or stagnant in your role can contribute to burnout. Ongoing education opens up new opportunities and can rekindle your passion for care work.
Consider:
- Enrolling in PSW upgrading courses
- Learning specialized skills like dementia care or palliative care
- Exploring pathways to nursing or health administration
Learning new skills gives you a sense of progress, purpose, and control over your career path.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Care Too
Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a signal that your current situation needs adjustment. By implementing even a few of these strategies, you can protect your health, sustain your career, and continue providing excellent care to those who need you most.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for every PSW.