Most people want to feel fulfilled in their role and do things that interest them cognitively and emotionally. Eventually, though, everyone loses steam, even when working in highly-engaging roles. At times, people report feeling like work is losing meaning, or that they are becoming negative about life in general. These might be the first signs of burnout.
The characteristics of burnout
Mayo Clinic defines burnout as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion.” It can lead a person to feel like they are not making progress in their career. Burnout might also make someone feel like they are not contributing much to their company.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that burnout is not a medical condition, though it could be due to conditions like depression and psychosomatic disorders. However, they say burnout is an occupational phenomenon, most frequently manifesting in working-age adults.
The link between stress and burnout
Though they have similar effects on the body, burnout and stress are different conditions. Stress is immense physical or mental tension from or about a specific event. Those who are stressed can quickly remedy their situation if they can bring balance to their schedules.
Meanwhile, burnout is a prolonged absence of motivation, coupled with mental exhaustion and feelings of emptiness. When a person is burned out, they might feel depleted and unable to work.
How to avoid burnout from work
Fortunately, there are some things an individual can do to avoid burning out from work. Though the WHO is still producing evidence-based guidelines for preventing burnout, some strategies can help individuals create a personalized system that keeps it at bay.
Recognize what causes the overwhelm
Writing down the things that negatively impact your emotions has several health benefits. For one, journaling has plenty of health benefits, from improving the body’s immune response to helping emotion regulation.
Some people are not the type to write down several paragraphs every day, and that is alright. Even merely writing a to-do list will help an individual avoid overwhelm. Writing down what to do for a project also allows you to see it in terms of concrete deliverables, which is less intimidating.
Take stock of strengths and weaknesses
According to a Gallup study, the most engaged workers perform tasks that allow them to tap into their strengths. Burnout could result from learning a role and immediately trying to excel in it.
Furthermore, employees should not attempt to perform anything and everything. Inevitably, everyone has strengths and weaknesses at work. Whenever possible, outsourcing tasks is a good way of ensuring that people focus on the things they do best.
Find personal and professional support systems
One way to build resilient employees is by giving them the room to develop their support systems. Colleagues, people with the same role in other companies, or professionals in the same industry can form a person’s professional support system.
It is also vital for an individual to develop a personal group, like a book club, a team of volunteers, or a group of enthusiasts to help them get the hours of rest their brain needs from work matters.
Establish firm boundaries at work
Many people burn out because of difficulties in saying no. Learning how to turn down projects or initiatives will help protect a person’s mental health and preserve their energy for the most important things.
Learning how to say no is the first step in reclaiming time and being in control of one’s life, which is what burnt out individuals want.
Conclusion
Burnout is a fact of modern life, and workplaces must have policies or strategies to help employees deal with it. Everyone wants to feel like they are making a difference, which is difficult when a person is trapped in their job or role.
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