Burnout - Let's Talk About It
10
minute read time
"Burnout" - Let's Talk About It
Do you ever feel like a drained battery that just can’t seem to hold a charge? Exhausted, unmotivated, and maybe even isolated? Stuck in the cycle of eat, work, sleep, repeat? Like the world needs to pause for a moment, but you just can’t seem to find the remote? If you responded yes to any of these questions, you’re likely experiencing burnout.
WHAT IS BURNOUT?
Burnout can be described as a state of severe physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion caused by extreme stress stemming from an individual’s workplace and personal life. In today’s increasingly demanding society, we have become so accustomed to this stress that it has become a state of homeostasis for many. While some stress is ok (healthy even), unmanaged stress holds heavy consequences, especially when it turns into a habitual cycle of burnout.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
The ways in which someone experiences burnout can take many different forms, as each individual responds to stress differently. However, there are a number of behavioral, emotional and physical signs that point directly to burnout.
Emotional
- Irritability
- Unmotivated
- Sadness
- Frustration
- Insecurity
- Cyclical Thinking
Physical
- Exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Loss of Appetite
- Headaches
- Chest Pain
- Weakened Immune System
- Substance Abuse
- High Blood Pressure
Behavioral
- Reduce Performance
- Procrastination
- Forgetfulness
- Increased Absenteeism
- Tendency to Self-Isolate
- Loss of Interest in Activities
METHODS FOR PREVENTION AND RELIEF?
Due to the individualized nature of stress-reduction techniques, it is important to note that self-care looks different for everyone. What works for you may not work for your peers and that is okay!
Seek Support
Whether through co-workers, friends, loved ones or counseling, support and collaboration may help you on your journey.
Try a Relaxing Activity
Whether it's through meditation, prayer, practicing yoga, reading a book, or listening to your favorite music or podcast, forget about your duties for a moment and allow your body and mind to relax and just breathe.
Get Exercise
Go for a walk outside, go to the gym, go for a swim, whatever it is, no matter the intensity, get your body moving regularly!
Make Time for What YOU Enjoy
Try a new hobby, take a mental health day, watch your favorite movie, hangout with friends, whatever it may be that fills your cup.
Get Realistic with Time Management
Focus on SMALL goals, get adequate sleep, determine your non-negotiables, include break time in your schedule, and find a routine that works for you.
Most importantly, redefine SUCCESS to include WELLNESS
“Letting go doesn’t mean we don’t care. Letting go doesn’t mean we shut down. Letting go means we stop trying to force outcomes and make people behave. It means we give up resistance to the way things are, for the moment. It means we stop trying to do the impossible—controlling that which we cannot—and instead, focus on what is possible—which usually means taking care of ourselves. And we do this in gentleness, kindness, and love, as much as possible.”
Melody Beattie
