Here are some strategies to establish boundaries and prevent burnout: - Set Clear Limits: Define specific work hours and stick to them to maintain work-life balance. -Learn to Say No: Politely decline additional cases or responsibilities that exceed your capacity. -Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks & make time for activities that help you recharge. -Delegate Tasks: Share your workload with colleagues to lighten your load. -Communicate Needs: Inform supervisors about your capacity & seek support when needed. -Create a Support System: Build relationships with peers for mutual support & sharing experiences. -Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, into your routine.

The impacts of burnout are real and can invade all areas of life. My deadlines are always a top priority in litigation, and when it comes to my work, I stand behind my position that I am meeting those deadlines before I worry about anything else, especially administrative or internal functionary goals and deadlines. Very few days in litigation work go as planned. Emergency attention is always directed to the surprise email inquiry or unanticipated motion. To maintain my sanity - deadlines/projects have to be prioritized as "hard" and "soft" - with the question "will this make a difference today?" My priority list is 100% deadline driven, first and foremost, keeping my workflow targeted and specific. Everything beyond that is 100% a bonus.

I think the big thing with the organization that I work with is that some clients, typically the severely and persistently mentally ill, are given the personal phone numbers of their case managers. It's my belief seeing massive burnout with all of those case managers that the personal phone numbers of case managers should simply not be available to clients. But I see that even with these clients and their therapists. It should not be an aspect of the relationship between client and provider to have the providers personal phone number. This should be a regulation supported either by state or federal agencies. At the end of the day,by establishing that clear boundary I firmly believe that burnout would drastically decrease.

To avoid burnout as a case manager juggling a heavy caseload, setting boundaries is key. Start by prioritizing your tasks, focusing on the most urgent ones, and delegating when possible so that not everything falls on your shoulders. It’s also crucial to set clear work hours and stick to them, making sure everyone knows when you’re off-limits for non-urgent matters. Learning to say no is equally important; don’t be afraid to turn down extra tasks if you're already feeling stretched thin. Make time for self-care, whether that’s a walk, some deep breathing, or simply stepping away for a few minutes. Break your workload into smaller, manageable chunks to reduce that overwhelming feeling.

It is also vital to put activities in stratas, know what is important but not urgent, vice versa and attend to them in the same order.