We all have our own stories to tell and paths to follow. While on that path: we work extra shifts, take on multiple projects, and cram all our homework in the hours we should be asleep. In turn, causing stress on our bodies that can affect us mentally and physically.
What is burnout?
According to Psychology Today, [b]urnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. Yes, it is true burnout can often be caused by issues in work or school life. However, it is also prevalent in other aspects such as friendships, romantic relationships, parenting, or overall caring for someone else. Burnout is a manifestation of work-related stress, indicated by a state of physical or emotional weariness, as well as a feeling of diminished performance and a loss of self identity.
What are 3 signs of burnout?
Burnout is a type of exhaustion brought on by a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed. Repeated and prolonged psychological, physical, and mental stress causes it. It is frequently linked to someone’s employment. But can occur when you are overworked, emotionally exhausted, and/or unable to maintain life’s never-ending demands, this is when you know you are burnt out.
An article by WebMD, medically reviewed by Dan Brennan state that these are the three signs of burnout:
Overload Burnout
This occurs in someone’s pursuit for success. When you constantly work harder for something, you can easily become frenzied. If you find that you are experiencing this, it is likely that you have put your health and personal life at stake in order to feel proactive instead of reactive.
Under-Challenged Burnout
This can happen when you feel undervalued or simply bored with the current state of your life. Maybe your workplace and/or school does not offer any opportunity for professional development or learning. If you feel unchallenged, you may withdraw from responsibilities, grow cynical, and resist taking on new duties.
Neglect Burnout
When you feel worthless at work, this is something that may happen. You may assume you’re incompetent and become unable to maintain all your tasks if things are not going well. Imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern in which you question your abilities, qualifications, or accomplishments, is linked to burnout.
Ways to prevent burnout and how to cope with it
There is no medical diagnosis for the problem. However, if you don’t identify or address burnout, it can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.You cannot be productive if you are burnt out. It strips away your energy and makes you feel helpless, pessimistic, and irritable. Burnout can have a negative impact on your home, job, and social life. Which can make you more susceptible to physical setbacks, for example: colds, coughs, the flu, etc.
According to HelpGuide, you can (help) prevent burnout by using the three R’s.
- Recognize. Watch for the warning signs of burnout.
- Reverse. Undo the damage by seeking support and managing stress.
- Resilience. Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health.
Whether you work for an employer that keeps you on your toes or one that is tedious and unfulfilling, the best approach to avoid burnout is to find something you enjoy instead. This goes for relationships in your life as well. Of course, for many of us, changing jobs or careers is not a viable option nor is leaving behind certain people in your life. You can be content to have a job that simply pays the bills and be the type of person who settles for average friends and an average relationship. Regardless of your circumstances, there are still steps you can take to strengthen your mental health. Do not be afraid to turn to other people. Nature’s antidote to stress is social interaction, and talking face to face with a good listener is one of the most effective ways to relax your nervous system and alleviate tension. The person you choose to confide in, does not need to be able to “fix” your problems; all they need to be is a good listener, someone who will pay attention without being distracted or passing judgment.
