While working is good for our economic well-being, it most often takes a toll on both our physical and emotional state.
When you work for long without taking regular breaks to refresh your mind, you get to a point of physical and emotional exhaustion. This situation also becomes a mental issue, with depression also part of burnout. You lose a sense of accomplishment from your job.
Here is how to spot burnout:
- One feels disillusioned by your work, meaning you do not find satisfaction in it.
- You become irritable and impatient with co-workers, customers, or clients.
- One lacks satisfaction in your achievements, no matter how big they are.
- You have started using drugs and alcohol to try and make yourself feel better.
- You have unexplained headaches, stomach and bowel symptoms, and other physical complaints.
- Your sleeping patterns change. Either you sleep too much or too little.
So, how do you deal with it, then?
Take a vacation
A vacation is not a short break from work but rather, a complete dissociation from your work and work environment for a few days, even weeks. Completely remove yourself from your work and if possible, also leave your home and go stay at a neutral place where you can recover.
If you are running a business, inform your employees of your desire to take a break. If you are employed, be rational as you explain to your boss why you really need the break.
Find a release
A burnout often builds over time, like how steam builds in a pressure cooker. Ultimately, it gets to a point where your body can’t take it anymore.
To avoid this, always find a release for your stresses frequently. Physical exercises are one of the best releases of stress. Try bike riding, playing outdoor games, going to the gym, jogging, or taking frequent walks after work.
This helps calm down your mind and relieves you of the stresses of the day.
Open up to someone you trust
The saying ‘a problem shared is a problem half solved’ might sound like a cliché, but that’s because it’s true.
Opening up about your problems to someone who genuinely cares about your well-being helps you release some pent-up frustrations that you may have. Often, all you need is a shoulder to lean on.
Burnout has increased over the pandemic as more people work from home so, hopefully, you find these tips useful.
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