Hi Bloomers!

Burnout is real and it can be hard to avoid these days with the ever-increasing demand from work. When we push ourselves to our limit taking on extra work with limited job resources, we put ourselves at risk. You may find that on your days off you do not have the energy to do the things you want to do and need to rest due to mental and emotional exhaustion. Hopefully you have not gone too far down this path as it can be difficult to come back quickly from full-blown burnout where you stop enjoying your job and life completely.

Signs of Burnout

When one experiences prolonged chronic emotional and interpersonal stress it shows up within the three dimensions of burnout.

Exhaustion: Physical and mental exhaustion, chronic fatigue, insomnia, impaired concentration and attention, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety, anger, physical symptoms (chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, headaches, fainting), increased illness, loss of appetite.

Cynicism: Detachment, loss of enjoyment, pessimism, negative self-talk, isolation.

Inefficacy: Reduced personal accomplishment, feelings of apathy and hopelessness, increased irritability, feeling unimportant, lack of productivity and poor performance.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid burnout:

1.Take Time To Exercise: I know you probably hear this tip over and over and that is because it is just that important for your health and well-being. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine during the week will help you to become more productive at work. It may feel like you do not have time to exercise but in the short and long term, you can’t afford not too! You do not have to start training to run a marathon (unless you want to) but instead commit to walking 15 minutes a day or trying out a new fitness class. 

2. Take Your Days Off: I know that sometimes we have to take some work home with you but make sure you are taking time off. You need to make sure you have at least 1 day a week where you do not think about or do work. You need to take the time to decompress and do the things that you love.

3. Do The Things That Bring You Joy: A sure tell sign that burnout is settling in is you lack the energy to do the things you use to enjoy, or you feel they will not be enjoyable anymore. If you are starting to feel this way you just made it so much more important that you start to incorporate these things back into your life again. Don’t underestimate the power of fun for your health and well-being.

4. Try To Limit Travel: Try to limit your travel time for work if you are starting to feel burnout. If you can’t avoid this then make sure you are practicing extra self-care to help you avoid burnout. It can be stressful to travel and be away from home. If you are able to turn down some of those extra trips and focus on your health and well-being closer to home.

In our society, we often associate success with stress but this is a myth. When you are overly stressed and at risk of burnout you risk losing everything, not just your career but also your health and relationships. Take the time for yourself and to do the things that bring you health and happiness, in the long run, they are the things that will help you to become more productive, innovative, creative, and on top of your game.

Before You Leave

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