September 25, 2024
For many people, burnout has become a familiar aspect of daily life during the post COVID-19 era. The term is increasingly featured in news reports and across social media, with phrases like “lockdown fatigue,” “languishing,” and “work-from-home burnout” becoming common in our shared language.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Originally identified in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in people in the “helping” professions, such as healthcare and education, today we understand that burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their occupation. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.
HOW DOES BURNOUT IMPACT US ON A DAILY BASIS?
Burnout affects various aspects of our daily lives, impacting our performance at work, our personal relationships, and our overall health. Here’s how:
- Feeling tired and unfocused most of the time
- Feeling detached and unmotivated
- Lowered immunity or muscle tension
- Using food, alcohol, or drugs to cope with stress
- Feeling chronically frustrated or irritated by the people around us
- Withdrawing from responsibilities
- Being unable to take pleasure in things that we’d normally find enjoyable
Understanding the implications of burnout is crucial for recognising the signs early and taking proactive steps to manage stress effectively. By acknowledging and addressing the symptoms, individuals can work towards reclaiming their enthusiasm, health, and productivity, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life.
SELF-CARE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN YOU’RE FEELING BURNT OUT
Am I Eating Enough and Eating Well?
It’s crucial to recognise that your diet significantly influences your mood and energy levels. Ensure you consume regular, nutritious meals throughout the day and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
How Much Caffeine Am I Consuming and When Am I Consuming It?
Caffeine often appears to be a quick fix for boosting productivity, but its overuse or consumption at inappropriate times can be costly. The negative impact of caffeine on sleep quality is well-known; drinking it late in the day can interfere with feeling rested, even after a full night’s sleep. Alcohol has similar effects.
Am I Taking Time in the Day to Be Still?
In today’s bustling world, finding moments of quiet can be challenging. Yet, it’s essential to carve out time daily for reflection and stillness, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Integrating mindfulness or breathwork into your routine can significantly enhance stress reduction and overall well-being.
Do I Have Healthy Boundaries in Place?
The pandemic-induced lifestyle changes have increasingly blurred the distinction between work and personal life, particularly for those working from home. Without clear boundaries, you might find yourself perpetually on call, leading to feelings of guilt when taking time off. Establishing firm boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.
As a result, it’s essential for us to establish healthy boundaries to separate work from personal time. Consider dedicating an hour each day to an activity that brings you joy and fulfilment, something that’s driven by intrinsic motivation and aimed at your own mental and spiritual well-being. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to occasionally say “no.”
While self-care is crucial for maintaining well-being, it alone is not sufficient to overcome burnout. Burnout often stems from deep-rooted issues such as chronic work stress, unrealistic demands, and a lack of control over one’s work environment. Self-care can provide temporary relief from symptoms, but addressing burnout typically requires structural changes at work, such as adjusting workloads, enhancing job control, and improving workplace support. Additionally, strategies to combat burnout may also involve seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling, to develop better coping mechanisms and to address underlying mental health issues. Thus, while self-care is an important component of a holistic approach, it must be part of a broader strategy that addresses the systemic factors contributing to burnout.
WHERE TO NEXT?
We certainly hope some of these strategies help you. However, if you feel like you would benefit from further assistance with burnout or related matters, you’re more than welcome to get in touch. Our friendly team of psychologists are highly experienced in this area and would love to help.
