A persistent feeling of physical as well as emotional exhaustion, loss of interest at work or home, a general feeling of disillusionment with life combined with a lack of motivation is things that characterize a burnout. It leads to lower levels of performance resulting in no gratification from your efforts.
SIGNS OF A BURNOUT
There are very specific symptoms of the onset of a burnout, few of which are:
Excessive Tiredness: The most obvious sign of a burnout is prolonged periods of tiredness. While experiencing some degree of tiredness after a day at work is normal, if a good night’s sleep or a short family vacation fails to energize you, a potential burnout is on the horizon.
Frustration: During a burnout, nothing will succeed in motivating you. Negative feelings of cynicism and defeat will loom making you susceptible to mood swings and getting into arguments with your peers.
Taking Up New Harmful Habits: Folks suffering from a burnout often resort to eating a lot of junk and heavy drinking and smoking. These perilous habits provide a sense of temporary relaxation that dries off after a very short while.
Depleted Levels Of Concentration: Burnouts damage one’s attention span severely. If you are having a hard time trying to pay attention or concentrate on events at office or home, it might indicate onset of a burnout.
Worrying Unnecessarily: A heightened level of anxiety and the tendency to worry excessively about things often signifies the initial phase of a burnout. Bringing work home regularly is another thing that you need to be on the lookout for.
WAYS TO OVERCOME
Now that a burnout has been diagnosed, let us look at a few ways to combat it:
1 . Cultivate A Hobby
Having something meaningful to do outside office is the secret to the wellness of many a professional. Some sport, musical instrument or a loving pet are all unusual sources of inspiration.
2 . Keep A Small Plant At Your Desk
Keep a bamboo or a money plant. Take a 5 minute break between and water the plant, look at it, and maybe wipe the leaves. Green color soothes eyes that are strained due to staring at the computer.
3 . Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing deeply for four counts on inhale and exhale can reduce stress levels immediately. You can try alternating breathing exercise i.e. long inhale with one nostril and exhaling with the other nostril, which brings focus and energy in the morning before starting work.
4 . Seek Support At Work
Research has shown that having one good friend at work reduces the chances of quitting. Sharing your thoughts with another person not only reduces the stress levels but also might lead to discovering new ways to handle tough situations. Take proactive steps to be more friendly and sociable at work.
5 . Plan An Office Event
Get your co-workers together and organize an office event. You could all pool in funds for an upcoming festival and have a lunch bash or maybe have pot luck where you and your colleagues could each bring a dish from home for everybody. Having a designated ‘unwind’ time will keep you relaxed and get everyone excited for the upcoming event!
6 . Go On A Vacation
A holiday away from where you stay and work is the ideal remedy for a burnout. It will break your mundane routine and rejuvenate your mind. A vacation of about 15 days every year can work wonders for your performance at work.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you think your symptoms tend to worsen over time or you end up being too worried all the time, it is a good idea to consult a psychologist. Timely advice and counselling can help you overcome burnout effectively,