Burnout is long-term exhaustion meets diminished interest, energy, and passion. What can you do about it? Our friends at Jill Conyers explore.
I've never been very good at recognizing burnout until the symptoms and feelings could no longer be ignore.
Looking back not too long ago I now recognize a time when I was very burned out. I attributed feelings and symptoms to other things. It wasn't until I started making changes in my lifestyle and started feeling incredibly good that I realized how bad it was.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion cause by unbalance; too much work or responsibility and too little time to do the things that need to be done, causing a prolonged period of excessive stress. Burnout occurs when you feel overwhelmed, physically and emotionally drained, and unable to meet the constant demands of day to day life and the simplest of tasks.
Symptoms
Sound familiar?
Assess your interests, skills and passions. Are the things you're doing match your interests or core values?
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Identify and manage the stressors that contribute to burnout. Look at your stressors individually instead of the big picture. They're a lot less overwhelming and making changes can be easier.
Seek support. You're not alone. The support of loved ones helps with stress and feelings of burnout.
Evaluate your options. What can you realistically change about your lifestyle?
Get enough sleep. Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health.
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Adjust your attitude. Consider ways to improve your outlook. Rediscover enjoyable aspects of your life. Make the time to do things you enjoy.
Get some exercise. Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress.
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When you realize you are or on the path to burnout, it's up to you to make the lifestyle changes that need to be made.
This information is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice and supervision of your personal physician.