Blog

Recognise the Symptoms and Overcome Burnout

 

The rising incidence of lifestyle-related acidity and related gastrointestinal disorders among the working youth population is a clear indication of the level of stress that people face in the office or workplace.

They have very little time for themselves. Due to stress and fatigue, they remain engrossed in target calculations. The reason for this is burnout (mental exhaustion), which is increasing both in quantity and intensity.

 

Burnout Increased Threefold

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the number of people affected by work-related stress and burnout. Human resource professionals believe that the problem of burnout has increased threefold in the last two-three years. Particularly among people serving in senior management positions, expectations from people working at the CEO level have increased manifold. Stakeholders keep a sharp eye on them.

They are under a lot of pressure due to the complexity of work and excessive workloads. This job is akin to riding a lion, leading to serious health problems, marital issues, sleep disturbances, mental health problems, and even substance abuse.

 

Recognise the Symptoms

Job burnout is a type of work-related stress that involves physical or emotional exhaustion. It is different from depression, although they share some common symptoms and require different treatments.

 

Here are some signs that you might be experiencing job burnout:

 

• Questioning the Value of Your Work: Do you often wonder if your work has any meaningful value or purpose?

• Trouble Starting Work: Do you find it difficult to get started on tasks or feel overwhelmed by your workload?

• Lack of Care for Work and Colleagues: Do you feel indifferent or disconnected from your job and your co-workers?

• Isolation: Do you feel isolated from the people you work with?

• Irritability: Do you lose patience easily in conversations with co-workers or customers?

• Lack of Energy: Do you lack the energy to do your work well?

• Difficulty Concentrating: Do you have trouble focusing on your work tasks?

• Job Dissatisfaction: Are you dissatisfied or frustrated with your job?

• Doubting Your Abilities: Do you frequently doubt your skills and abilities?

• Substance Use: Are you using drugs or alcohol to feel better or to manage your emotions?

• Changes in Sleep Habits: Have your sleep patterns changed?

• Physical Complaints: Do you experience headaches, stomach or intestinal problems, or other physical complaints without a known cause?

 

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible that you are experiencing job burnout. Consulting a psychiatrist or a mental health professional is advisable.

 

What to Do in Such Situations

Dealing with burnout requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to help you cope and overcome burnout:

Talk to Your Boss

 

Communicate your concerns with your boss. Discuss the possibility of making changes to your workload or work environment to alleviate stress. Setting realistic goals and deadlines can also help manage the pressure.

 

Set Realistic Goals

 

Evaluate your work and determine if some tasks can be deferred or delegated. Setting achievable goals can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

 

Seek Support

 

Reach out to colleagues, friends, or loved ones for support. Talking to others about your feelings can provide relief and different perspectives on your situation.

 

Prioritise Sleep

 

Ensure you get plenty of sleep. Rest is crucial for mental and physical recovery. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment.

 

Practice Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness involves being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. This practice can help manage stress and improve overall well-being. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can be beneficial.

 

Consider a Job Change

 

If your current job is unlikely to change and continues to be a source of stress, it might be time to consider looking for a new job that better suits your needs and skills.

 

Exercise Regularly

 

Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Regular exercise can help improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce the symptoms of burnout.

 

Take Breaks

 

Ensure you take regular breaks during your workday to rest and recharge. Short breaks can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity.

 

Engage in Hobbies

Make time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Engaging in hobbies can provide a sense of fulfilment and help take your mind off work-related stress.

 

Seek Professional Help

 

If burnout symptoms persist, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide strategies to cope with stress and improve mental health.

 

Long-term Prevention Strategies

 

To prevent burnout in the long run, consider adopting these strategies:

Ongoing Self-Care Practices

Regular self-care practices are essential for long-term well-being. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient rest. Self-care also involves setting aside time for relaxation and activities that bring joy and fulfilment.

 

Set Long-term Career Goals

 

Having long-term career goals can provide direction and purpose. It’s important to periodically reassess these goals to ensure they align with your values and interests. Achieving smaller, incremental goals can also provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

 

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

 

in continuous learning and skill development can make your job more interesting and fulfilling. It can also enhance your confidence and job satisfaction by keeping you up-to-date with industry trends and advancements.

 

Build a Supportive Work Environment

 

Cultivate a supportive work environment by building positive relationships with colleagues. Encourage open communication, mutual respect, and teamwork. A supportive work environment can significantly reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.

 

The Impact of Burnout on Organisations

 

Burnout doesn’t just affect individuals; it has significant repercussions for organisations as well. These can include:

 

Decreased Productivity

Burnout can lead to decreased productivity as employees struggle to focus and complete tasks efficiently. This can result in missed deadlines and lower quality of work.

 

Higher Turnover Rates

 

Employees experiencing burnout are more likely to leave their jobs, leading to higher turnover rates. This can be costly for organisations due to the expenses associated with hiring and training new employees.

 

Increased Healthcare Costs

 

Burnout can contribute to various health issues, leading to increased healthcare costs for both employees and employers. This includes costs related to mental health care, physical health treatments, and absenteeism due to illness.

 

Burnout is a growing problem, particularly among professionals in high-stress jobs. Recognising the symptoms and taking proactive steps to address them is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health.

By communicating with employers, setting realistic goals, seeking support, and making lifestyle changes, individuals can overcome burnout and improve their overall well-being.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. Implementing long-term prevention strategies can help sustain your mental health and prevent burnout from recurring in the future.

 

Click on the link and shop with Amazon to get exciting offers!