5 Action Items to Help Prevent Burnout


Action 1

Set clear boundaries between work and personal life by establishing limits on work hours, breaking news monitoring, and after-hours communications whenever possible. 


Action 2

Prioritize regular recovery and self-care practices, including adequate sleep, exercise, time off, and activities that provide meaningful rest and connection outside of journalism. 


Action 3

Build strong peer support networks by regularly checking in with colleagues, mentors, and trusted friends who understand the unique pressures of reporting. 


Action 4

Recognize and address signs of stress early, seeking support from mental health professionals, employee assistance programs, or trauma-informed resources before burnout becomes severe. 


Action 5

Advocate for sustainable workloads and realistic expectations by communicating openly with editors and managers about capacity, resource needs, and the cumulative impact of high-intensity assignments.

Reporting with Resilience provides real-world tools and case studies to help journalists prepare for, withstand, and recover from the risks of their work.