BURNOUT

Burn out in a Post Covid Society.

by Nicolette Peterkin

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. You lose interest in and drive for the role you took on in the first place when you're worried, emotionally exhausted, and unable to satisfy constant expectations as the strain increases.Burnout has dire effects in all aspect of your life, including your home, career, and social life. It  can also lead to long-term changes in your body, making you more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu. Burnout must be addressed as soon as possible due to its numerous effects. Many individuals confuse being burnout with being stressed. The symptoms of one may lead to the symptoms of the other, but they are extremely distinct.

Burnout vs Stress

Unrelenting stress causes burnout, although it is not the same as being too stressed. In general, stress includes taking on too much: too many commitments that put you under undue physical and mental strain. Burnout, on the other hand, is defined by a lack of sufficient resources. Burnout is characterized by a feeling of being empty and mentally exhausted, as well as a lack of drive and inability to care. This happens when you feel like you're drowning in responsibilities as a result of high stress. While you are usually aware that you are stressed, you are not always aware of it.

Causes of Burnout

Lack of Purpose -The mind is like a muscle; you can only stretch it so far before becoming exhausted and unable to access these essential self-worth sensations. It's acceptable to have times of creative block and a sense of direction now and then; however, if these feelings become a daily battle, you may be suffering from significant burnout.

Anxiety - Everyone has anxiety from time to time, but people who are burnt out will notice that these sensations become more pronounced and frequent, and may even reach a point where they are unable to perform work that would typically be easy or second nature.

Lack of Emotions- Emotional numbness can also lead to a poor work ethic, since a sufferer's motivation to complete their work decreases, and their care for whether or not it is accomplished correctly decreases. This can become a vicious cycle, as someone who has been avoiding work due to a lack of caring will often become even more detached in order to avoid dealing with their worsening production and quality. As a result, it's vital to keep an eye out for burnout in both yourself and others you work with, because people who are depressed may not always feel motivated to speak up for themselves.

General Fatigue - Exhaustion is one of the most dangerous things you can do to your mental and physical health, and unfortunately, inability to sleep and a general sensation of lethargy throughout the day are two of the indicators of burnout. A bad night here and there isn't a big concern, but when they start to pile up and interfere with your ability to function in your daily life, it may become a serious problem for your employment and health. When you're tired, you're more prone to make mistakes and work slower, which might aggravate your overall burnout.

“Burnout is nature’s way of telling you you’ve been going through the motions your soul has departed.” — Sam Keen

Dealing with Burnout

Trying to push through the fatigue and keep going as you are can only cause additional emotional and physical harm, whether you recognize the signs of impending burnout or have already reached the breaking point. Take a deep breath and shift your trajectory by learning how to overcome burnout and restore your health and positivity.

Situations feel overwhelming, everything appears dreary, and it's difficult to care, let alone take action to help yourself, when you're burned out. However, contrary to popular assumption, you have a lot more influence over stress than you think. You have options for dealing with overwhelming stress and regaining control of your life. One of the most effective techniques is to reach out to individuals. Social engagement is nature's cure to stress, and chatting to a good listener face to face is one of the most effective ways to relax your nervous system and reduce tension.

Others will assist you in re-framing your perspective on the current situation. They may be able to assist you in achieving a healthy work-life balance. With the pandemic appearing to be the new normal, forcing people to work from home and have as little interaction with other humans as possible, it may seem difficult to return to the world we once knew, but we must try. Take walks or treks and take a break from work. If you think you're going to burn out, try taking a total break from work. Take a vacation, use up your sick days, or request a temporary leave of absence to get away from the situation. Make the most of your time away by recharging your batteries and pursuing alternative forms of rehabilitation.

Burnout is an undeniable indicator that something important in your life isn't functioning, so reconsider your priorities. Spend some time thinking about your goals, ambitions, and dreams. Is there something you're missing out on that's critical to your well-being? This can be a time to rediscover what makes you truly happy, as well as to relax and allow yourself to rest, reflect, and recuperate. A healthy diet, exercise, and a good night's sleep are all known to aid in the recovery from burnout.

Tell your boss you need a Mental Day or Week or Month

If you're experiencing burnout symptoms, it's critical that you take them seriously and don't dismiss them as a passing phase. Many professionals find it difficult to admit that they require assistance. Being on the other side of the equation, especially for talented people who are used to being asked for help, can bring emotions of inadequacy, anxieties of being perceived as weak or inadequate, and worry about being a burden to others. Speaking up for yourself and your body is a long game, not a one-day fix, so speak up for yourself and your body. So simply inform your manager. Unfortunately, not every manager will handle this conversation as gracefully as you'd want — it's conceivable they're just as overwhelmed as you are — but the vast majority of bosses genuinely want to help. Consider giving yours a chance to help you rather than continuing to boil in unhealthy conditions for the benefit of your emotional and physical well-being.

Take the time to be YOU AGAIN!!