Burnout and how to avoid it

If you’re constantly overwhelmed and exhausted with everyday tasks, you’re probably burnt out. Burnout is mostly associated with a stressful job. However, it can affect various aspects of your life. In some cases, it can even cause health problems. Fortunately, there are various ways to deal with and overcome burnout.

This article discusses what burnout is and some of its physical and mental symptoms. It also highlights a few ways how you can deal with burnout.

 

What is burnout?

Burnout can be hard to define. It is not a medical condition although it can affect your physical and mental health. Simply put, burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It is usually caused by a prolonged period of stress. It happens when you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to function. As the stress builds and your stress levels rise, you start to lose interest and motivation in the things you do.

Burnout kills motivation and as a result productivity as well. It takes all your energy and leaves you feeling incredibly down. You may experience feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and resentment. In time, it breaks you down to a point where you feel like you have nothing more to give.

These negative feelings can affect every aspect of your life. These include your work, home, and social life. Burnout can also cause long-term changes in the body. You can become more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold and flu. Due to its negative impact on your life, burnout should be addressed as soon as possible.

Burnout symptoms

We all have days where we feel unmotivated, overloaded, and unappreciated. Those days when even getting out of bed is a struggle. However, if you feel this way on a day-to-day basis then you may be burnt out.

The thing about burnout is that it doesn’t just happen overnight. It is a gradual process and it can creep up on you. The signs of burnout may not be noticeable at first but they become worse over time. It can be hard to diagnose burnout but there are a few telltale signs. Burnout prevention starts with being able to recognize the signs early before they get worse. Here are a few symptoms of burnout to look out for:

Physical symptoms

• You’re physically tired and drained almost all the time
• Your immune system is weaker. You are getting sick more often
• You suffer from regular headaches and muscle aches and pains
• There are drastic changes in your eating and sleeping habits.

Emotional Signs and mental symptoms

• You feel like a constant failure.
• You are always doubting your abilities
• You feel helpless, trapped, and defeated
• You detach yourself from the world and feel like you’re all alone
• You lack motivation.
• You have a negative outlook on life
• You feel no sense of satisfaction or accomplishment

Behavioral Signs

• You withdraw from your responsibilities
• You isolate yourself from others
• You procrastinate more
• You turn to food, drugs, or alcohol to help you cope
• Taking out your frustrations on those around you
• You skip work or go in late and leave early