The topic of “burnout” is getting UBER attention across social media right now. It’s in Forbes magazine, entrepreneurial reads and is even filtering down into mumsnet, sports publications and profession specific rags too. But what is it and why is getting so much attention?
What is burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overwhelmed. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. It usually pops up when someone is under intense and prolonged pressure, whether it’s at work or in their personal life, and feels overwhelmed and unable to cope. Burnout can lead to feelings of detachment, cynicism, and reduced performance, and can have a significant impact on both an individual’s personal and professional life. Symptoms of burnout can include fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, loss of motivation, and a decreased sense of accomplishment.
Why are we all talking about it so much?
Simples. We’re all too bloody busy! We’ve glorified the disease of being busy and the pursuit of material “success” so much over the last 40 years, that we’re now starting to turn around and realise what a mess we make of things when we prioritise the wrong things. Now, we’re having to back track and reassure ourselves that actually, it’s okay to acknowledge you’re human and that this is in fact YOUR life and you’re entitled to have some fun with it! The endless obsession with work work work hustle hustle hustle, has taught us at least one lesson: No point chasing success if we’re too stressed and busy to enjoy it!
So if this resonates, what should we do?
Long hours, tight deadlines, and endless to-do lists can quickly lead to burnout. And that rapidly starts to impact every area of your life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right tools and strategies, you can break the burnout cycle and find a better way to work and live.
- Identify the root cause of your burnout: Before you can break the burnout cycle, you need to understand what’s causing it. Take some time to reflect on your work and life, and consider factors like workload, stress levels, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. Are there specific tasks or projects that trigger burnout? Is your workload unrealistic? Are you taking on too much responsibility without enough support? Once you’ve identified some possible culprits and been HONEST with yourself about them, you’re on your way to solving the problem…
- Prioritize self-health: Self-health is critical for preventing and overcoming burnout. Make time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and balance, whether it’s exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Be mindful of your sleep habits, too. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and create a sleep routine that works for you. Self-health isn’t about scented candles and bubble baths (though it can be if that’s your style!), it’s about looking inside yourself and evaluating your OWN needs.
- Set boundaries: One of the biggest contributors to burnout is the inability to set and maintain healthy boundaries. This might mean saying no to additional work or taking time for yourself, even when there’s a deadline looming. It’s important to remember that your well-being should always come first. Be honest with yourself and others about what you can and cannot handle and be firm about your limits.
- Seek support: Whether it’s a mentor, coach, friend, or family member, having a support system can be invaluable when breaking the burnout cycle. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through. They might not be able to advise you – and in fact sometimes their advice might be unhelpful – but having someone to give you some objective perspective and help you work through the steps above, is invaluable.
- Practice mindfulness and gratitude: Mindfulness and gratitude can be powerful tools for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. And make a habit of focusing on the positive things in your life, no matter how small. This shift in perspective can have a big impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Personally, I found keeping a tiny little gratitude notebook by the bed, helps me to finish the day with a sense of positivity and calmness, which also led to better sleep – two birds one stone!
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