Burnout is defined as a psychological response to prolonged interpersonal stressors. It takes a toll on a person’s physical and emotional wellbeing but, there are proven ways one can recover from burnout.
While it isn’t recognized as a distinct mental health condition, it is viewed as an occupational hazard, particularly for those who work in people- and service-oriented fields, including health care, education, and human services.
So What Does Burnout Feel Like?
Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or tired. It is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can leave you feeling drained, hopeless, and unmotivated. The main signs and symptoms of burnout include:
Feeling exhausted all the time, Lack of motivation or interest in things that you used to enjoy, Cynicism, apathy, and negativity, Feeling like you are not making any progress, Increased absenteeism or lateness, Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, Isolating yourself from others, Indifference, boredom, and restlessness and many more.
How to Recover From Burnout
If you are already feeling burned out, it is crucial to take action to address the problem. Here are some things you should do to recover from burnout;
Identify the Cause
Spend some time assessing what it is about your job that contributes to burnout. Factors that often play a role include working too many hours, poor relationships with supervisors or co-workers, conflict in the workplace, poor support from management, and excessive workloads.
Take a Break
It is also important to take time to relax and rejuvenate. This might include taking a vacation, getting a massage, or taking up a new hobby.
Spend Some Time Alone
Burnout is often linked to high levels of prolonged interpersonal stress. It’s why people who work in people-oriented jobs are often more likely to experience burnout.
Utilize Effective Coping Skills
You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can develop more effective ways of coping with it. How you think about different situations can affect how you feel about them.
Get Support From Loved Ones
While a bit of solitude can be beneficial, that doesn’t mean you should withdraw from loved ones. Negative social interactions often play a significant role in causing burnout, but positive and supportive social connections can be an essential buffer against it.
Care for Yourself
Taking care of yourself is essential for burnout prevention, but it can be even more vital once you’ve reached the point of burning out. Ensure that you are taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
Talk to a Professional
If you are struggling to manage burnout on your own, it is essential to seek out professional help and talk things out.
