Your brain and body can only handle feeling overworked and overwhelmed for so long.
. . .
This very worrying state is all-consuming and prevents us from engaging in even the most minor of tasks. If you consistently experience high levels of stress without taking steps to manage or reduce it, exhaustion eventually takes over leaving you emotionally and physically burned out.
Defining Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. It can lead to feelings of detachment, cynicism, and a decreased sense of accomplishment.
Occupational stress and burnout are global health problems that mainly affect employed personnel, especially health professionals. According to a study published in 2021, about half of healthcare professionals were affected by occupational stress, and about one-third experienced burnout.
Origin of Burnout
Burnout is a metaphor for being so overwhelmed that our systems close us down to prevent us from taking on any more activities. It’s as if we are reduced to ‘ashes’ with our energy levels, thinking, and decision-making abilities. Burnout can have a far-reaching impact, often:
● Negatively affecting work performance
● Keeping you from enjoying hobbies and time with family, or relaxing outside of work as You may begin to feel less motivated since it seems like nothing you do matters.
● Increasing risk for health concerns, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression, and suicide
Since burnout happens gradually, you might not notice symptoms immediately. But once it takes hold, it can affect your ability to function across all aspects of life.
Recognize the signs of burnout
Key signs of burnout include:
● Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
● Diminished pride in your work
● Losing sight of yourself and your goals
● Difficulty maintaining relationships and being present with loved ones
● Frustration and irritability with co-workers
● Unexplained muscle tension, pain, fatigue, and insomnia.
What to do?
Taking action to address burnout is essential since it generally only gets worse. Recovery from mental burnout, which also affects us physically, takes time. Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to address it, such as
setting boundaries, seeking support, and practicing self-care, are crucial for preventing further negative effects on mental health and overall well-being.
Eating a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats is also very important.
During the process of recovery, it’s important to have plenty of rest and few demands as well.
The other important thing to aid recovery from burnout is staying in touch with people who matter to you. It’s all too easy to let go of others, especially when they take up so much of our energy. But, Social contact, however short, will do us good, even a talk with a stranger at the supermarket, or bus line or offering a smile on a walk, does us good.
