How to Recognise Burnout at Work

person working at a laptop in an office suffering with work load burnout

Burnout is a state of severe physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term unmanaged stress.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon linked specifically to chronic workplace stress rather than a formal medical illness.

Key Symptoms and Signs

. Exhaustion - Feeling deeply drained of physical and emotional energy and emotional overwhelm.

. Cynicism - Increased mental distance, negativity or detachment from your job or daily responsibilities.

. Inefficacy - A sense of reduced professional or personal accomplishment and hopelessness about change.

. Physical effects - Frequent headaches, muscle tension, sleep disruptions and a lowered immune system.

Often Burnout is considered within a workplace environment but burnout can be experienced along side other life pressures and demands such as responsibilities as a care giver parent or living with a chronic illness or condition .

Burnout will eventually impact upon the individuals wellbeing at work and in life such as relationships due to the consequences it holds it is very important to recognise it before it saps energy and motivation and becomes overwhelming .

Because burnout can be a risk factor for developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, poor focus, sleep difficulties it should be taken seriously.

Burning The Candle At Both Ends

Related Idioms about Exhaustion & Burnout .

. Biting off more than you can chew . Taking on a commitment or task that is far too big for you to handle.

. Running on Fumes. Continuing to work or function when you have absolutely no energy or strength left.

. Spreading yourself too thin. Trying to do so many different things at once that you cannot give proper attention to any of them .

Recovering from Burnout

Stop and Rest - Step away Distance yourself from the main sources of stress where possible .

. Protect Your Sleep - Keep a regular sleep schedule wind down without screens and avoid starting your day by checking your phone .

. Schedule real breaks - Put short rest periods into your calendar rather than working through them .

Care for your Body

. Move Gently.

Go for short walks or do light stretches to release the physical tension of stress.

. Regulate your Breathing .

Take slow deep breaths such as inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds to signal safety to your nervous system .

Eat Well .

Choose balanced meals and drink plenty of water to support your physical energy.

Set Boundaries and Rebuild

Say No

Cut back or cancel non- essential commitments to preserve your energy.

Separate Work and Home

Set clear finish times for your workday and turn off work devices during the evening.

Talk to Someone

Share what you are going through with a trusted friend, family member or Therapist - Counsellor .

The Moral of this Blog is to listen to the body and mind and slow down taking back control of your life once more leading you to harmony, equilibrium and peace within .

Author Matt Stockland

https//:mindadjustment.co.uk/about