Finding ourselves in a long-term state of physical and
emotional exhaustion is tiresome. But
when this negative self-concept and conduct is directed toward our work, we
call it a burnout situation. Burnout in our ‘adulting’ lives occurs when taking
on responsibilities, workloads, and attitudes originally linked to the normal
grown-up life on a daily basis may not have been what many of us bargained for.
Many want to be reasonably responsible, have good
enough financial security, and live a soft life. Unfortunately, this is
becoming harder than we thought and hoped it’d be.
Burnout occurs when ‘A job is a job’ becomes our daily
dose of motivation.
Without realizing we’re that exhausted, many
depressions among professionals start as unrelieved burnout.
Burnout can be birthed from a stressful personal
relationship, family tensions, lack of recognition for a job well done, lack of
rewards, work overload, shortage of staff and supplies, unresponsive
leadership, and no work culture or unity among others.
Now take a look at this:
1. Are you a chronic complainer?
2. Do you get tired easily at work?
3. Does working hard seem less productive to you?
4. Is work no longer fun?
5. Are you disenchanted with work and life?
6. Do you feel physically and emotionally tired?
Answering yes means it’s time for a break! You’re
probably burned out.
As an individual with burnout, you may show these
signs:
1. Less contact with work colleagues
2. Absentmindedness
3. Unexplained depression
4. Irritability and short-temperedness
5. Introversion
6. Anhedonia (lack of enjoyment)
Let’s say you’ve realized you’re probably burned out.
What next?
(a) Pay attention to yourself and be keen on changes
in your body or everyday habits
(b) Talk! Talk about everything and nothing. Find
yourself a ‘punching bag’ in the form of a person of trust and comfort and
release the pent-up negative emotions through talking.
(c) Do not introvert. Listen to your inner self.
Mingle, self-love. You deserve it.
(d) Find relaxation techniques in your working life:
yoga? Tennis? Swimming? Go for it!
(e) Develop outside interests and hobbies. Be more
than just your job!
In burnout, there is always stress, find the stress
and deal with it!
