What is Burnout? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Do you have a job that you love but feel like it’s slowly draining the life out of you? Does your work constantly feel like work and not something you’re passionate about? If so, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that between 50% and 90% of people working in a fast-paced environment experience some form of burnout at some point in their careers.
What is Burnout, exactly? It’s the physical, mental or emotional exhaustion experienced as a result of continuous exposure to challenging and stressful situations. Do you know if you are experiencing early signs of burnout or are on the verge of burning out? Keep reading to learn more about what this means, 10 signs indicating you might be developing it and what to do about it.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is an emotional and physical exhaustion caused by a mental state of feeling stressed out, a feeling of being overwhelmed and having little to no energy. It’s usually brought on by a combination of factors, including long hours, overwork, lack of work-life balance, job dissatisfaction and a feeling of lacking control over your work.
Burnout can affect anyone, anytime, anywhere — in any industry, job role and stage in your career. It’s important to know the signs that point to burnout since it affects not only your mental health but also your physical health and can lead to complications such as anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation. Moreover, it can also have a negative impact on your productivity and your performance at work.
What Causes Burnout?
Various factors cause Burnout, but it’s important to note that being burnt out is an indication that you’re experiencing too much stress in your life and don’t have enough time to take care of yourself. What may cause one person to feel burnt out may be different than the things that cause someone else to burn out Work.
- Environment: If you work in a toxic work environment, you’re more likely to experience some form of stress and burnout.
- Workload: If you’re constantly overworked and doing more than your share of the work, this can also lead to stress and burnout.
- Pressure to perform: If you feel pressured to perform at a certain level or produce unrealistic results, this can cause you to experience burnout.
What’s the Difference Between Being Stressed Out & Burned Out?
Stress is a normal part of life, but it should be controlled and kept at a healthy level. When it becomes excessive and starts to interfere with your daily activities, it turns into Burnout. When you’re stressed, you have a rush of adrenaline and cortisol through your system.
This can be helpful when you’re in a dangerous situation, but it can become destructive when it’s a constant feeling. Burnout is when you can’t turn off this feeling of stress, and you’re experiencing negative consequences as a result of it.
Signs that Indicate You Might be Developing Burnout
If you’re feeling fatigued, stressed out, and like your work situation is out of control, these are the early signs that you may be developing burnout. If you notice one or more of these signs, make sure to talk to your manager and HR department as soon as possible.
1. You’re experiencing overwhelming fatigue
If you’re constantly feeling tired and run down, this is a sign that you’re experiencing Burnout. It’s important to remember that feeling tired is different than being tired. Feeling tired means you have no energy and can’t do what you need. Being tired means that you have the capacity but don’t have the desire. If the fatigue you’re experiencing is a result of stress and a lack of self-care, then it’s a sign that you’re experiencing burnout.
2. You lack interest in your work
If you’ve lost interest in your work and feel like it’s bringing you down, this is a sign that you’re experiencing burnout. If you’ve lost interest in the things that once brought you joy, this is a clear sign that something is wrong, and you need to take action.
3. You have a lack of enthusiasm
If you used to be someone who was bubbly and enthusiastic, but now you lack the pep in your step, this is a sign that you’re experiencing burnout.
4. You feel out of control at work
If you feel like your work is out of control, this is a sign that you’re experiencing Burnout. This is often brought on by not having enough time to get everything done, feeling overwhelmed and having too many things on your plate.
5. Your relationships are suffering
If you’re feeling like your relationships are suffering, this is a sign that you’re experiencing Burnout. It’s important to note that it takes two people to have a relationship, but only one person to ruin it. It’s important to take action and address the issues causing this to happen before they worsen.
What Can I Do to Prevent Burnout?
Preventing Burnout is often easier than recovering from it. If you’re feeling like you’re experiencing the early signs of Burnout, take action before it worsens. If you feel like you’re starting to experience the signs of burnout, take action before it gets worse. If you’re feeling fatigued, take time off and rest.
If you have too many things on your plate, ask for help, delegate or simplify your work. If you feel you lack control at work, speak to your manager about it. If your work environment is toxic, look for other opportunities or ways to improve it. Make sure to take time for yourself, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Conclusion: Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout is more than just a feeling. It’s a real physical and emotional state of being. There are ways to prevent it, but it can be hard to get out of it once it sets in. If you’re feeling some of these symptoms, it may be a good idea to look at your life and see what is causing the stress. And remember, you are not alone. It is estimated that up to 90% of people are experiencing burnout.
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