Have you ever suffered from burnout? Odds are, the answer is yes. According to a recent Gallup study, about 2/3 of employees suffer from burnout while at work. It might be you, your co-worker, your employer, or your employees. Burnout can be exhausting, but there are ways to combat it.
Causes
Recognizing the causes of burnout is an important step to start combating it. There can be numerous causes, but some are more common than others. Unclear job expectations are one such cause. Other causes include:
Signs of Burnout
As stated before, burnout can be exhausting. But exhaustion is only one sign of burnout. There are both physical and mental signs of this condition. Physical signs include headaches, frequent sickness, fatigue, and a change in personal care habits. Mental signs include a lack of interest or motivation in your work, feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied, a negative attitude, and poor performance.
If you find yourself feeling like this, it may be a sign that you’re burnt out.
Ways to Combat Burnout
Thankfully, there are many ways to combat burnout. Try a few and see which approach work for you.
Exercise. Physical activity produces endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are kanown as the “feel good” chemical. Not only will you feel better mentally, but you’ll feel better physically too.
Free time. Put free time in your schedule and stick to it. This can give you a much-needed break from work and help you recharge. Don’t think about work during your free time; instead, do what you want to do.
Healthy diet. If you eat junk food, you might feel like junk. Eating healthy provides the body with the proper nutrients for energy. You’ll feel better in the long run too.
Sleep. If you find yourself nodding off or drinking too much coffee each day, you may need some sleep. Sleep helps a person recharge. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you won’t have enough energy for the day ahead.
Spend time with friends and family. Spending time with friends and family can be improve your mood instantly. Plus, it’s nice to catch up with loved ones.
Unplug. If you aren’t working, don’t respond to emails or work requests. This helps establish boundaries between your work-life and your personal life. Requests and emails can wait until you’re back at work.
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Written by Abigail Tomalewski, Marketing Assistant
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
HR Exchange Network
The Muse