What Is Burnout? A Comprehensive Guide And Its Symptoms

In our fast-paced lives, juggling work, helping others, and caring for our family often occupies much of our day. This can make us overlook the importance of pausing for rest, leading to the risk of burnout.

What you need to know:

What is burnout?
The three symptoms of burnout
Preventing burnout

What is burnout?

Excess Work_Activ Living Community

Burnout is a state of exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to emotional, mental and physical strain. It is often associated with problems at work and can adversely impact your health. While stress characterizes a sensation of being overburdened, burnout leads to feelings of emptiness and exhaustion. If you feel burnt out, you might find it more difficult to do things you normally find meaningful or partake in tasks that help you achieve your goals.

The three symptoms of burnout

Signs Of Burnout_Activ Living Community

So, how can you identify the signs of feeling burnt out? Here are the three common symptoms of burnout:

Emotional exhaustion

You can experience a sense of constant exhaustion, making you unable to tackle challenges in your professional and personal life. Mentally, you can also feel very low and exhausted. Emotional exhaustion can also manifest as physical pain and digestive problems.

Cynicism and detachment

Be aware of feelings of bitterness and irritation towards your job and coworkers. You might distance yourself emotionally, becoming insensitive towards your work and surroundings.

Reduced professional efficacy

You can also experience reduced efficiency at work or when taking care of someone at home. Burnout sessions can make concentrating, handling responsibilities, or being creative harder.

Physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, changes in sleep or appetite

Here are the most common physical symptoms of burnout:

Feeling tired all the time
Compromised immune system
Frequent infections
Sudden headaches and muscle pains
Changes in appetite and sleep cycle

Behavioral changes: Increased absenteeism, procrastination, or negativity

Here are the most common behavioral symptoms of burnout:

Straying from responsibilities
Procrastination
Projection of frustrations on others
Skipping work or leaving work early
Isolating from other people

Emotional shifts: Irritability, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed

Here are the emotional signs of burnout:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Increased sense of failure and self-doubt
A cynical and negative outlook
Decreased satisfaction

Preventing burnout

Burnout Symptoms_Activ Living Community

Here are three strategies that you can adopt to avoid burnout:

Setting boundaries

Establish clear limits between work and personal time to prevent overworking. This could mean turning off work notifications after hours or dedicating specific times solely to relaxation and hobbies.

Prioritizing self-care

Practising mindfulness activities such as meditation and breathing techniques can help you recognize signs of being overwhelmed, allowing you to assess and manage your emotional health. They can make you feel rejuvenated, allowing you to focus on the work at hand.

Seeking support

Backing on colleagues, friends, and relatives can assist in managing job-related stress. Seeing a therapist also offers a beneficial avenue for expressing emotions and receiving practical guidance.

To prevent burnout, identify early symptoms, prioritize self-care, and seek support. Mindfulness, trusted relationships, and professional guidance are vital for managing stress and maintaining well-being.

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