Feeling Exhausted? It could be burnout!

This weeks blog post is all about burnout!

Burnout is sneaky, it has a way of creeping in and hiding under the busyness of our lives. Burnout preys on the over-achievers, the care-givers, and the people pleasers. I remember my own bout of burnout and the disconnection I felt to my body, and feeling like I was on a hamster wheel that I couldn’t get off. I was a new mom, new wife, barely sleeping and starting my first professional job. In my best description, I would say burnout felt like a soul-deep, full body exhaustion. My body was screaming for rest.

If you are feeling similarly, this post is for you! I start this post by including a quote from Melissa Steginus:

Burnout is the result of too much energy output and not enough energy self-invested. In other words, it’s burning too much fuel than you’ve put in your tank.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It is characterized by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a lack of accomplishment, and can lead to a decline in work performance.

What causes burnout?

The causes of burnout can vary, but it often results from a combination of factors such as a heavy workload, lack of control, and a lack of social support. Saying “yes” when your mind, body, and heart need you to say no.

Who Is Most Likely to Suffer From It?

Burnout can impact anyone who is exposed to prolonged stress, but certain groups may be at a higher risk. These include:

1. People in high-pressure jobs: Those in high-stress jobs such as healthcare providers, first responders, and executives are at a higher risk of burnout due to the nature of their work.
2. Caregivers: Family caregivers, social workers, and other care providers are at a higher risk of burnout due to the emotional and physical demands of their work.
3. Entrepreneurs: People who run their own businesses often work long hours and have a lot of responsibility, which can lead to burnout.
4. College students: The pressure to succeed in school can lead to burnout for college students, especially those who are also working or have family responsibilities.
5. People with chronic illness: People with chronic illness may be at a higher risk of burnout due to the physical, emotional, and financial demands of managing their condition.
6. New Parents: The demands of parenting and lack of sleep can lead to parental burnout.

It’s worth noting that burnout is not limited to these groups, anyone can experience burnout. It’s important to be mindful of your well-being, identify the symptoms and take steps to prevent or manage burnout.

What Can I Do to Manage (or better yet, prevent) Burnout?

There are several strategies that can be used to manage and prevent burnout. Some of the most effective include:

1. Prioritizing self-care: Make sure to take care of your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food.
2. Setting boundaries: Learn to say no to tasks and requests that are not essential or that you do not have the capacity to handle.
3. Finding balance: Make time for leisure activities and hobbies that you enjoy and can help you relax and recharge.
4. Building a support system: Connect with friends, family, or a therapist to talk about your feelings and get support.
5. Managing stress: Use techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to help manage stress and improve your emotional well-being.
6. Addressing the root causes: Identify the sources of stress and take steps to address them, whether it’s through delegating tasks, learning new skills, or seeking help from a supervisor or manager.
7. Seeking professional help: If you are experiencing symptoms of burnout. Reach out for some support, you do not need to manager this alone.