Burnout is a prevalent problem in the modern world. Article written by Layla Wyatt
It is a state of exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, affecting emotional, physical, and mental aspects. People affected by burnout often feel incompetent, helpless, and overwhelmed.
“Burnout is an insidious problem that can creep up on us unexpectedly. It’s essential for all managers to be mindful of the signs and take proactive steps to ensure their staff are properly supported,” says Olivia Jones, managing director at Author Flair.
Burnout can cause significant harm to one’s life, career, and overall well-being. Identifying burnout symptoms early and taking remedial actions to prevent further damage is essential.
Symptoms To Look Out for When Spotting Burnout
Burnout is particularly prevalent in the workplace, and its effects can devastate the individual and the organisation. Luckily, the good news is that you can spot burnout before it sets in.
1. Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
It could be a sign of burnout if you feel physically and emotionally drained, even after a good night’s sleep. You may need more energy or motivation to complete simple tasks. Your work may feel like a burden, and you may dread facing a new day. Symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and nausea may also be present.
2. Decreased Productivity and Motivation
When you feel burnt out, you may find that your productivity and motivation decrease significantly. You may need help to complete once-easy tasks or to avoid work altogether. You may feel detached from your work or those around you, resulting in decreased motivation to perform well.
3. Negative Attitude and Behaviour Towards Work
If you notice a negative attitude towards work, colleagues, or customers, it could be an early sign of burnout. You may feel cynical, resentful, or even hostile towards your work environment. You may also complain more frequently and be less able to handle criticism or constructive feedback.
4. Lack of Work-Life Balance
A lack of work-life balance significantly contributes to job stress and burnout. If you spend more time at work than home, you may be at risk of burnout. Lack of personal relationships or hobbies can also contribute to feelings of emotional exhaustion and burnout.
5. Physical Health Problems
Stress can lead to physical health problems, which may indicate burnout. High blood pressure, heart disease, and symptoms of autoimmune disorders can all be related to chronic stress. If you are constantly ill or have a weakened immune system, it is time to examine your stress levels and contact a medical professional.
Take Action and Reduce Burnout
While building resilience and preventing burnout is essential, taking action to overcome it is critical to restoring one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
1. Identify the Signs of Burnout
The first step to action against burnout is recognising the signs of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. These symptoms may manifest in different ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or disconnected from work or relationships.
Taking a self-assessment and seeking feedback from trusted friends or colleagues can help you recognise these signs and take action to address them.
2. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is critical to preventing and overcoming burnout. It involves caring for your physical, mental, and emotional needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, attending wellness workshops and connecting with friends and family. By prioritising self-care, you can improve your overall well-being and reduce stress levels, which can help combat burnout.
3. Set Boundaries
One of the causes of burnout is overcommitting and needing more boundaries. Learning to say “no” to excessive demands on your time, energy, or resources can help you preserve your well-being and meet your priorities. Setting boundaries can also help you create a work-life balance that promotes rest, relaxation, and recovery from stress.
4. Seek Support
Burnout can be challenging, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can make a significant difference. Sharing your concerns and feelings with someone who understands what you’re going through can help you feel less alone and provide you with practical advice or emotional support. A supportive community can help you create accountability and stay motivated in your recovery journey.
5. Revise Your Goals and Expectations
Finally, it’s essential to reevaluate your goals and expectations when recovering from burnout. This process involves reflecting on your priorities, assessing your strengths and weaknesses, and developing a realistic plan that aligns with your current needs and resources.
Revising your goals and expectations can reduce stress, increase motivation and create a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Give Yourself Time to Breathe
Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and prevention is critical. By recognising the symptoms of burnout and taking action early, you can maintain your health and well-being, perform better at work, and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
Mind Body Energy offers a professional burnout recovery program that can help you restore balance and perform at your best helping you achieve your goals.
Book your FREE 20-minute discovery call, learn more about the Beating Burnout Program + MAP Method Coaching. Discover how you can master your emotions, achieve your goals and overcome burnout. Learn how to bounce back into “Balance” and enjoy your daily life.