Burnout

Many people work in stressful jobs that entail working long hours, pressure to achieve results and meeting strict deadlines.  You may have an unsupportive boss, work with toxic colleagues or experience staff shortages.  Experiencing one or more of these stressors persistently can result in burnout.  Add to this any other responsibilities, such as caring for children or an unwell relative,  it can quickly accelerate feeling complete exhaustion, disconnection and chronic distress.  

Contrary to what some might believe, burnout doesn’t just occur suddenly and for no reason.  Research indicates that it develops following prolonged exposure to chronic stressors and psychobiological symptoms of stress.  Some people may continue to function for a period of time, continuing to turn up for work for instance.  However, motivation for your job may decline, or you may start to feel you have little energy to socialise with work colleagues.  Even daily responsibilities can result in irritation and resentment.  

You may convince yourself “that I have responsibilities and must keep going”, trying your best to push through.  The challenge with this is that it just doesn’t work.  Our minds and bodies are not designed to withstand chronic stress.  Where this occurs, it can lead not only to burnout, but anxiety, depression and physical dis-ease. 

The warning signs are always there, but we seldom stop and listen to them. 

Burnout is Preventable and Treatable

The good news is that burnout, and it’s consequences, are entirely preventable and treatable.  Studies have found that some of the most effective ways to prevent or recover from burnout include:  

1. Finding solutions to any environmental stressors:  This might look like changing jobs, reducing work hours, accessing sources of support, or improving planning and organisation.  How you apply this will be specific to your needs, however the key is to eliminate, reduce or find ways to cope with ongoing stressors.  
2. Applying specific techniques to address symptoms of mind-body stress.  This can be done with EFT, writing a regular journal, mindfulness practices or working with a therapist or coach.  
3. Maintaining overall wellbeing.  Regular exercise, a healthy diet, investing in healthy relationships, daily gratitude, prayer, adequate rest, even travel, can make a significant difference to stress levels.  

Chronic stress and its effects are not an inevitable part of life.  When you invest in your spiritual, mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing regularly, it can increase health and happiness, make you more resilient and able to cope with any unexpected stressors.   I’ve highlighted a few proven ways that you can improve your health, however it may be that a different approach works best for you.  Whatever that is, the key is to apply it consistently.  

If you would like to learn more about simple ways to manage stress and prevent burnout, you can read my book Straightforward Solutions To Manage Stress.  

I hope you found this article useful.  If you have any questions or would like support in addressing emotional distress, then please feel free to get in touch.

Wishing you happiness and success.

Sadaf