Exhaustion, lack of motivation and overwhelming doubts are just a few symptoms of burnout.
So what is burnout? Burnout is the result of too much stress either from your job or a personal life situation. In the simplest of terms, burnout is absolute exhaustion, physical, mental and emotional.
It is a combination of symptoms that cause you to be much less effective at work, less happy at home, and if left unchecked could cause you health issues. Burnout can leave you anxious, depressed, unmotivated, and ineffective. The list of symptoms can be vague and sound like everyday life, but life isn’t supposed to feel like burnout.
Poor work-life balance, change in values, lack of control, or a dysfunctional work environment wearing on your peace of mind are all signs. At first glance, it may not seem like much. We’ve all muscled through hectic times, made it through, and not suffered any serious consequences.
Then, the symptoms hit. They creep in quietly and gradually the enjoyment drips from your job and personal life. Perhaps you feel a general air of negativity and apathy towards your everyday activities. But, soon you lose sight of your values and your ability to focus.
With burnout being something everybody would live better without, how do we prevent the mental turmoil and physical deterioration?
If you are beginning to experience any of the symptoms of burnout, consider reassessing your interests, skills, and passions. If you have good options, to move within your company or career path, these changes will be the easiest to make and cause the least amount of stress. Identify and manage your stressors as best as you can.
Another thing you can do to lessen the effects of burnout on your health and your life is keep your own attitude in check. Find gratitude and enjoyment in life. It could be your lunch break or the drive home. Just find something you can enjoy and look forward to. Making a conscious effort to change your attitude may be enough to keep you from burning out.
Reach out and gather support around you. Friends, family, co-workers, HR, and professional help can all help you through difficulties and decrease symptoms like depression that make the experience so much worse.
Lastly, take time for self-care. Taking time to relax, sleep, and exercise can be vital to curbing burnout before it starts. The recommended amount of sleep is 7-8 hours a night. Getting the right amount can nip exhaustion in the bud and help your concentration.
If you are feeling the effects of burnout, don’t wait. Be proactive and assess your needs.
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