The World Health Organization (2020) defines burnout as a syndrome that is the direct result of chronic, prolonged workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion where an individual can feel emotionally drained and unable to function in the context of work and other aspects of life. Burnout can happen in any occupation, can reduce productivity and can lower your motivation and cause you to feel helpless, hopeless and resentful.
Some signs that you might be experiencing burnout:
● Physical and emotional exhaustion
● Lowered levels of motivation and increased errors
● Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
● Headaches
● More time spent working with less being accomplished
● Increased likelihood of self-medication with alcohol and other substances
● Sarcasm, irritability, and negativity
● Debilitating self-doubt
● Increased feelings of helplessness
(Source: http://www.ceohsnetwork.ca/blog/psychological-safety/burnout-what-leaders-must-know/)
- Do grounding and deep breathing exercises
- Practice mindfulness and visualization exercises to help leave work at work
- Exercise regularly
- Take breaks during the day and set boundaries for working hours
- Spend time with colleagues and friends
- Set reasonable and realistic expectations and clear and realistic goals for work tasks
- Engage in opportunities for supervision
- Seek out and engage with social supports
- Participate in ongoing training to upskill when needed
(Source: http://www.ceohsnetwork.ca/blog/psychological-safety/burnout-what-leaders-must-know/)