How to Avoid Police Officer Burnout

 

The day you receive a call back for a job you've always wanted is magical. All that hard work paid off, and you finally get to be one of New York's bravest. And with each passing day, you get more and more accustomed to your job as a police officer.

 

As great as it is, though, tiredness and fatigue do set in eventually. Some people don’t even notice it until it hits them all at once. Whether it’s months or years down the line, police officer burnout is expected. So, what can you do to avoid the inevitable?

Create A Support System

No one can understand your stress more than the people who work with you. While you may feel a disconnect while sharing your worries about your job with family, your colleagues can not only empathize, but can even share the burden with you.

Creating a support system to navigate workplace stress is essential. It can help you maintain your physical and mental health, which you need to perform well on the job. Additionally, sharing fears and frustrations with people in the same position will serve as a reminder that you are not alone. The solidarity will also help you build resilience to stress and give you space to thrive.

Make Space For Fun

Overworking can strain your relationship with your loved ones, leading to isolation. While it’s important to do what you must to ensure the public's safety, you should also try to strike a balance by allocating time to your friends and family.

Your job schedule as a law enforcement officer is very different from that of someone who works a desk job. While you may sometimes have to miss a dance recital or a birthday party, you need to find time for your family.

On your days off, plan special activities with loved ones to remind them that you still want to be a part of their life. Making sure your family knows you love them and that you are there for them is crucial to avoid conflict and a stressful home environment.

Highlight The Positives

Stress and exhaustion can give you tunnel vision; you’ll find yourself focusing on only the negatives. Sometimes, it’s important to pull yourself out of the negative mindset and remember that you are at a job that you’ve worked hard for.

Positive affirmations and thinking can transform negative perceptions. Look back at all the work you put into getting where you are and remember the struggle it took to get the job you currently have. These reminders can help you push through and be more appreciative.

Despite the odd tired days, being a police officer is a rewarding job that helps you and the general public. As a law enforcement officer, you might have many prospective candidates come to you for advice, especially about the Suffolk County Police Test.

If you would like to redirect eager students toward an institute that helps prepare candidates with the right test material, ask them to reach out to Civil Service Success. The institute employs retired police officers who help candidates be prepared for the NYC civil service exams with the help of years of industry knowledge. Contact them today for more information on their class schedule and prices.