Responsible and intense work, a high sense of responsibility and high standards of practice are prerequisites for burnout. In addition, enormous workload, mental evaluation, as well as low social support are some other factors leading towards the burnout syndrome. Learn about the burnout: how to spot it and overcome it.
The Burnout Syndrome
The burnout is a syndrome, a group of symptoms that co-occur (The World Health Organization), linked to long-term, unresolved, work-related stress.
What is this “illness of the modern employee”, the symptoms?
Also, how can someone suffering from burnout syndrome recover?
Burnout syndrome is a state of emotional and (or) physical fatigue and exhaustion resulting from prolonged emotional discomfort. Namely, an American psychologist Herbert Freundberger first described burnout syndrome in 1970. He says that burnout is a stress that can affect anyone. Subsequently, burnout has not been taken seriously as the real medical condition, despite the broad discussions in society.
Now it is official – World Health Organization defines burnout as a medical diagnosis. It is limited to the work environment and shouldn’t project on other life situations.
To illustrate, recently a Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees made public surprising results. The study states that 23 % of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often. In contrast, an additional 44 % reported feeling burned out sometimes. These facts only strengthen the emergency of making the population aware of the burnout: how to spot it and overcome it.
BURNOUT SIGNS
A common sign is an indifference towards work-related activities. Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and colleagues. In addition, they may express emotional distancing and begin to feel numb about their work. It is crucial to spread the word about the burnout how to spot it and overcome it – for the safety of our co-workers and loved ones.
1. Physical symptoms
In fact, chronic stress may lead to physical symptoms, like headaches and stomach-aches or intestinal issues. There is an old saying that all problems originate from our minds – which is not exactly wrong. For instance, our body defense mechanism communicates to us through physical signs a high discomfort.
2. Emotional exhaustion
Burnout causes people to feel drained, unable to cope, and tired. They often lack the energy to get their work done. Likewise, the person feels tired even after he/she has just woke up. It is apathy for things you used to love – you don’t want to go to work, the interest in life disappears. Everything becomes indifferent; nothing delights anymore; the feeling of pleasure disappears, and at the same time a sense of hopelessness takes over.
Moreover, emotional exhaustion can be the most dangerous factor to affect your whole lifestyle. During this phase, not only your professional performance goes down, but also your daily routine. Such as taking care of your body, which can lead to anorexia or overweight problems.
3. Reduced performance
Burnout mainly affects everyday tasks at work. However, it can occur in a home environment. For example. when someone’s main job involves caring for family members. Individuals with burnout feel cynical about functions. They have difficulty concentrating and often lack creativity.
A person avoids work-related activities because they feel emotionally unstable and uncomfortable. There is an extremely reduced level of motivation for personal growth, development, and improvement of oneself. Also, a person’s ambition remains still; meanwhile, the level of achievement orientation is absent.
BURNOUT RECOVERY
1. Acceptance of the problem is the first step of its solvation.
First of all, it is not shameful to suffer from stress caused by diseases. Be brave, share your worries about mental health with an HR at your company, oldest manager, or whoever is in charge. Second of all, ask for some time off work or get an early vacation – your mental health is more important than anything.
Usually, in these scenarios, various companies provide sick leave covered by their insurance. It is truly vital to take advantage of this system and without delay care for your own mental health.
2. Reach for people
Nature developed skills of social interaction for human beings as the natural antidote to stress. In the same way, a good listener is the best way to relieve stress. Thus, reach for those who care about you or have gone through a similar mental state. The next aspect to understand is that opening to people does not make you a burden to them.
Equally important is to choose wisely those you spend time with. Suspend those who make you unhappy, angry, or negative minded. Negativity does not improve mental healing, moreover, it encourages negative thoughts and depression.
3. Reframe
The best solution to handle the burnout is simply by quitting a job for some time. Sure this sort of luxury is not affordable for all of us, and we are grateful that we have a job that pays bills.
Try to find some value in your job. Look for things you enjoy at your work. For instance, chatting with co-workers, arrange your working desk, or even choose a pleasant scent in the working room.
Find joy in non-working time. Spend time with family, friends, or yourself. Don’t mix work with free time.
For example, switch off the phone after the workday, and don’t check the e-mails. Your precious time should of course belong only to you and your beloved ones.
4. Re-evaluate priorities
Burnout syndrome signalizes that something extraordinary in your life is missing or not working well.
Take time and think about it. Set boundaries and learn how to say “no.” Don’t overextend yourself.
Give yourself a break from technology and go for an active lifestyle. For instance, you can choose to go for a long walk, jogging, or reading a book in the park.
Boost your creativity! It is a powerful tool to fight mental exhaustion. For example, painting is a proven method to detach from worries and increase creativity levels.
Get enough sleep and good food – an essential fuel to your brain. Besides, comfort foods as pasta and fries, sugar, and coffee quickly lead to a crash in mood and energy, making you more tired.
In conclusion, the burnout: how to spot it and overcome are topics that do not trend on social media. However, this doesn’t;t mean that it is of low importance or has to be ignored when we notice the symptoms in those around us. Especially if you are a group leader, a CEO, or manager. #
EXTRA | Work Stress-Free from Home – overcome burnout.
Here are some tips on how you can reduce stress levels while working from home, at the same time staying productive. Click here.
Day Worker Team
Janis T.
Sources | We use only trusted content
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/burnout-syndrome.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_burnout
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.20311
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237059/employee-burnout-part-main-causes.aspx