Burnout can compromise your productivity at organizational and personal levels. To address the pervasive issue of burnout, it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to prioritize strategies aimed at prevention and mitigation. At a professional level, taking the time to learn about physician burnout (if this is your profession, for instance), its unique challenges, and implementing tailored interventions can significantly contribute to fostering a healthier work environment and improving overall well-being in the healthcare sector.
At a personal level, you will experience reduced attention span, motivation, and problem-solving ability, whereas it lowers employee engagement, retention, and output at an organizational level. The debilitating effects of burnout ranging from anger, frustration, and frustration to consistent negative mood and a sense of cynicism means that you should not ignore it.
5 Signs of Burnout
Anxiety
Chronic anxiety is a common sign of burnout experienced as nagging feelings of tension, edginess, and worry. Even though everyone experiences anxiety now and again, burnout-associated anxiety may interfere with your ability to attend and concentrate. You will find it hard to carry out seemingly simple tasks early on, leading to procrastination and avoidance. As it progresses, anxiety will compromise your productivity and trigger a feeling of dread and apprehension.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a major sign of burnout, and it extends beyond normal tiredness. Burnout is associated with different types of fatigue (transient, cumulative, and circadian), leaving you feeling empty, exhausted, and incapable of coping with life demands. In the early stages of burnout, you will experience emotional and psychological exhaustion, and as it advances, you will feel extraordinarily drained and experience sleeping problems and other burnout-related problems. As it worsens, you will experience difficulties balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Cynicism and Negative Emotions
Studies show that cynicism is an easy way out for people who don’t have the mental resources to cope with burnout. Most people resort to cynicism because it is easier that mobilize resources to make a difference. Burnout cynicism represents an interpersonal distancing and motivational dimension of burnout, which will make you lose an emotional and cognitive interest in your work or even callous. Because of extreme cynicism, you might experience a feeling of drudgery and pointlessness about your work.
Impaired Concentration and Attention
Burnout is associated with physical and mental exhaustion, leading to cognitive problems, such as concentration difficulties, reduced attention span, and forgetfulness. You will find yourself asking your seniors or colleagues to repeat themselves in the workplace. Burnout affects the cognitive functions of an individual by overwhelming the neuroendocrine systems, which in turn leads to changes in the anatomy and functioning of the brain. The changes in the brain affect your focus as you will not be able to suppress distractions, stay on course, or ignore negative emotions.
Depression
Studies establish a correlation between burnout and depression. From time to time, you might feel sad, but in cases of burnout, the feeling of sadness lasts longer than usual. You will feel restless, irritable, and guilty in the early stages. Since burnout doesn’t go away and the situation worsens if left untreated, the depression level might reach a point that you think about suicide.
5 Ways to Recover from Burnout
Participating in a Women’s Empowerment Program
Burnout can have severe repercussions on your health, productivity, and overall well-being. A well-rounded wellness or empowerment program addresses all aspects of health. Women’s empowerment programs serve as a stress-free zone for women and they encourage women to take breaks and use coping skills. Corporate Women Unleashed is an example of a women’s empowerment program that offers a solution for burnout by utilizing the psychological work necessary to transform your emotional and mental connections.
Exercise Regularly
Cardiovascular exercise is associated with increased well-being and reduced psychological distress, emotional exhaustion, and perceived stress. Anaerobic exercises, like cycling and running, can also help your brain recover from burnout because it provides recovery for cognitive process and the nervous system. Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise and yoga, will help you feel less stressed and encourage a better sleep cycle.
Establish a Work-Life Balance
A work-life balance is an effective way to recover from employee burnout, which causes employees to become physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted because of job stress. A positive work-life balance can be achieved by prioritizing job responsibility and personal level elements, such as family, leisure, and friends. To recover from employee burnout and lead a functional and stress-free life, you should request a flexible working schedule, work remotely, and go on vacation.
Seek Professional Help
Burnout is internationally recognized as a mental illness resulting from unmanaged work stress, and burnout coaches and therapists exist to help address the issue. A burnout coach is a well-trained individual who can recognize the symptoms of burnout and recommend effective recovery strategies. Once you recognize that you are emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted, you should appointment with a trained psychologist or coach for therapy.
Build a Support Network
A support network serves as a safe environment to share your struggles with burnout, reducing your stress levels. Establishing strong social connections with people reduces anxiety and depression, which are common signs of burnout. Alternatively, you can consider joining a support group comprising mentors and professionals who can help deal with your stressors.
The Bottom Line
Burnout seems like an inescapable burden in the early stages because of the debilitating emotional, mental, and physical effects. Understanding the signs and symptoms helps address burnout in the early stages so you can begin to seek treatment. In the case of work-related burnout, striking a work-life balance allows you to focus on your overall well-being.
