Burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three dimensions:
- feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
- increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job and
- reduced professional efficacy.
In this blog, we highlight a few points to become aware of, and acknowledge if you are experiencing them. Burn out is not something that should be taken lightly and may need to be delt with by a professional.
What to look out for
One common burnout symptom is insomnia. Individuals often become irritable, unmotivated, and develop a negative mindset towards everything.
Research suggests that chronic stress interferes with the complicated neurological and hormonal system that regulates sleep. It’s a vicious cycle, because not sleeping throws this system even more out of whack. If you’ve noticed you’re unable to sleep at night, that could be a sign that you’re experiencing burnout, and your sleeplessness could exacerbate the problem. Physical exhaustion is another common sign. A key symptom of burnout is fatigue.
Now that you have acknowledged and become aware of some burnout symptoms, let’s dive into how you can handle it within your workspace
Try to take action.
Here is how you can get started:
- Evaluate your options. Discuss specific concerns with your manager. Before you throw in the towel, try work together to change expectations or reach compromises. Try to set goals for what must get done and what can wait.
- Seek support. Whether you reach out to co-workers, friends or loved ones, support is always a fantastic coping mechanism until you are in the right head space to make any further decisions on your career.
- Try implement calm into your life. Explore the art of Meditation or Yoga to help you cope with stress frustration and other negative mindsets.
- Get some exercise. We love this point! Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work, and it gives you energy to execute your tasks when you get back to your desk.
- Get some sleep. Sleep is incredibly important for your mind as well as your body as it restores well-being and helps protect your health.
- Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the act of focusing on your breath flow and being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a job setting, this practice involves facing situations with openness and patience, and without judgment.
Keep an open mind as you consider the above options and try not to let a demanding or unrewarding job undermine your mental and physical health. Be honest with your manager so that they are aware of what is going on.
Prevention and Treatment
Although the term “burnout” suggests it may be a permanent condition, it’s reversible. An individual who is feeling burnt out may need to make some changes to their work environment.
Why not try a few of these points below to assist you with preventing a burnout.
- Approach the human resource department about problems in the workplace or talking to a supervisor about the issues could be helpful if they are invested in creating a healthier work environment.
- In some cases, a change in position or a new job altogether may be necessary to put an end to burnout.
- It can also be helpful to develop clear strategies that help you manage your stress. Self-care strategies, like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercises, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job.
- A vacation may offer you some temporary relief too, but a week away from the office won’t be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout.
- If you are experiencing burnout and you’re having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may have reached the burnout phase, please seek professional treatment.
- Talking to a mental health professional may help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.
- We know that burn out is a real thing. Sometimes a change in scenery or a new environment is what you need to excel.
Cube Workspace offers amazing flexible solutions for you and your Team.
