Burnout: Are You at Risk?

These Are the Signs

Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash

“Time passes so fast. Make time to be still.”― Lailah Gifty Akita

You’re in the middle of your work week and, once again, you’re staying late to finish a project. When you get home, you work on your side hustle, then cook, clean, sleep. The only break you get is in those few, sweet moments before bed when you’re scrolling through your phone. The next day, it’s the same thing — but this time there is a growing feeling of agitation that you can’t shake. Where did it come from? Everything is going well and you enjoy your job, but there is a weight on your shoulders. One that is getting harder and harder to ignore.

It may be time to step away.

What is Burnout?

Burnout, as defined by the International Classification of Disease, is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

The 5 Signs

• Unexplained exhaustion
• Unproductive
• Detached
• Easily agitated
• Hard time concentrating
• Unexplained headaches
• Bitterness

via Mayo Clinic

When I am overworked, there is tension that slowly builds in my shoulders. If I don’t take a break, I start to get grumpy and easily distracted. I’ve learned that, in those moments, it’s best to step back and rest. Even walking away for a short time does wonders for my productivity and mental health.

Photo by Haley Powers on Unsplash

Ways To Relax

Meditate

Meditation has proven to improve your emotional state and overall health. Take ten minutes to simply be still.

Here is a guide on meditation.

Take a Walk

Walking every day can improve your overall energy and mood, as well as boosting creative thinking.

Vacation

Even if it’s a small trip out of town for the weekend, taking a vacation can improve mental motivation and decrease burnout.

Hobbies

Regardless if it’s reading — my personal favorite — or a DIY project, people who participate in hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, depression, and bad moods.

“Is there a place you can go to break away for a little while? If you haven’t yet built your tree house, it’s never too late to start.”― Gina Greenlee

Benefits

• Increase productivity and focus
• Lesssen body aches and pains
• Boost creativity
• Increase engagement
• More goal-oriented
• Reduce stress
• Improve mental health

(via Nivati)

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Don’t wait until the burnout hits. Recognize the signs and take a break — your mental health will thank you.