burnout

For Stress Awareness Month, we wanted to talk about burnout. A very real state that is caused by prolonged stress. In this blog, you’ll learn about burnout and how you can prevent it.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the enthusiasm and motivation that once drove you.

Burnout can occur when you feel like you have too much to do and not enough time to do it. You may feel like you’re constantly running on empty, with no time for yourself or for any activities that you enjoy. You may also become irritable and have difficulty concentrating. Over time, burnout can lead to serious health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and heart disease.

The most common cause of burnout is work-related stress. This can be caused by long working hours, a high workload, tight deadlines, and a lack of personal satisfaction. Other factors that may contribute to burnout include an unsupportive work environment, difficult relationships, and a lack of control over one’s work.

burnout

The Physical Impact:

The physical symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: Constant exhaustion and fatigue, even after rest.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines.
  • Digestive problems: Nausea, stomach aches, and other digestive issues.
  • Muscle tension: Tightness or pain in the muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders.
  • Loss of appetite: A decrease in appetite, sometimes leading to weight loss.
  • Weight gain: An increase in appetite, resulting in weight gain.
  • Low libido: Reduced interest in sex.
  • Irritability: Easily frustrated and feeling overwhelmed.
  • Anxiety and/or depression: Feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Taking steps to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing can help you manage your symptoms and prevent burnout.

burnout

Ten tips to reduce burnout:

  1. Make time for yourself: Take time each day to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a walk, or meditating.
  2. Take breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to refresh and recharge.
  3. Cut back: Figure out what tasks can be eliminated or delegated to free up your time.
  4. Prioritise: Focus on the tasks that are most important and let go of the rest.
  5. Simplify: Streamline your to-do list by breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
  6. Stay organised: Use a planner or to-do list to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
  7. Set boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries between work and home life.
  8. Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for help.
  9. Stay connected: Make sure to stay connected with friends and family to maintain a support system.
  10. Seek professional help: If needed, talk to a doctor or contact us about your stress and burnout.

Remember, it’s okay to talk about not being okay and we are here to listen. Reach out to us here.

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