Is There A Cure For Burnout?

How Burnout Happens

Burnout is not simply a result of working long hours or wearing too many hats. Reaching burnout is a slow progression and understanding its phases can assist in preventing it.

The stages:

1. Honeymoon: Your new job feels like the answer you have been dreaming of. You are excited and eager to prove yourself and you say yes to everything.
2. Onset of Stress: The days feel harder, optimism slips away. You begin noticing the things that are wrong in your current environment. In fact, they stand out to you. You feel stressed, decisions are harder to make, you cannot focus, and you may neglect self care.
3. Chronic Stress: You move through the paces, feeling empty. You have extreme fatigue, denial of glaring problems, disinterest in things you used to love to do, you withdraw from social life, and physical dis-ease may manifest.
4. Burnout: Prolonged and repeated stress brings you to a point of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.
5. Habitual Burnout: Symptoms are prevalent, and the root cause goes unexplained. You are tired, physically exhausted, and have increased isolation from your personal life and support group.

I personally operated in a state of habitual burnout for years prior to exiting the 9-to-5.

4 Steps to Take to Cure Your Burnout:

1. Check in with yourself.
2. Focus on the important things.
3. Set professional and personal boundaries.
4. Allow yourself the time you need to destress and rest.

After you have taken steps to cure your burnout and your healing begins, you will need to take steps to understand the root cause that led to your burnout.

In the work environment there are common causes of burnout.

They include:

1. Workload
2. Perceived Lack of Control
3. Lack of Reward and/or Recognition
4. Poor Relationships
5. Lack of Fairness
6. Values Mismatch

In all areas of our lives, we gain the largest benefit by focusing on those things that we can control. In fact, in most situations in life, problems can be addressed by focusing on self. Focus on our role, on our behaviours, and on our desires moving forward.

The Importance of Work Life Balance

One of the main drivers behind burnout is the tendency of busy professionals to become too focused on work. They often let go of their personal priorities, hobbies fall by the wayside, work demands are prioritized over personal items. Life becomes work, leave work, get ready for work, work.

This is a recipe for disaster.

The following items can protect your wellbeing and keep your performance in top shape for your and your employer’s benefit. Making these items core habits in your life can protect your life. Pick your favorites and start today.

1. Set boundaries: Make sure to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. This could involve setting specific times for work and leisure, or setting boundaries around how and when you communicate with colleagues or clients outside of work hours.
2. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to prioritize self-care and be available for activities that help you relax and recharge. This could include things like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
3. Set realistic goals: Make sure to set realistic goals for both your work and personal life. This will help you avoid overloading yourself and feeling overwhelmed.
4. Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when you need it. This can help you better balance your workload and free up time for other priorities.
5. Use technology effectively: Use technology, such as productivity apps and tools, to help you manage your time and stay organized. However, be sure to also set limits on your use of technology to avoid being constantly connected.
6. Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This can help you stay focused and productive when you are working.
7. Find a work environment that supports balance: Consider finding a job or work environment that values and supports work-life balance. This can help you feel more supported and less stressed as you strive to achieve balance.
8. Communicate with your employer: If you are struggling to achieve work-life balance, do not be afraid to communicate with your employer about your needs and concerns. They may be able to offer solutions or accommodations to help you better balance your work and personal life.
9. Practice time management: Use time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks and breaking larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, to help you make the most of your time and stay on track.
10. Bring fun back into your life: Rediscover those things that brought you joy in your life and if you must, schedule time for them. Get out of your work focused life and begin living your life.

Additionally, all of our posts in the Career Series can be found here.

Finally, if you need a break from work try a meditation on our Youtube channel.