Every employee will experience some type of stress at some point throughout their career. Stress has been directly linked to an employee’s performance in the workplace, but also has effects on their home life. Excessive and prolonged stress leads to a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, called “BURNOUT”!  Burnout reduces productivity, causes you to enter a negative state of mind, and decreases your sense of personal accomplishment. So how do you deal with burnout and prevent it’s long-term effects?

Identifying Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just happen over night; it sneaks up on you through a gradual process. The signs and symptoms of burnout get worse as time goes on. Paying attention to these signs can reduce your stress and prevent burnout.

Physical and emotional signs:

  1. Headaches
  2. Insomnia
  3. Chronic fatigue
  4. Anxiety
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Decreased concentration and/or productivity
  7. Depression and/or Isolation
  8. Decreased sense of personal accomplishment and/or loss of enjoyment
  9. Negative shift in response to others
  10. Irritability

Dealing With Burnout

If you find yourself dealing with some of the symptoms of burnout, here area few ways to overcome and cope with burnout.

  1. Identify the cause

    What is causing your burnout? Is it the stress your job creates, or the amount of work that comes with it? By identifying the cause of your burnout you are able to address the situation and find ways to relieve the stress appropriately.

  2. Eat, sleep, drink, and breath

    Typically when we are dealing with stressful and busy situations, the first things to go are food and water consumption, sleep, and our ability to just breath. Our bodies need four basic things in order to survive: air, water, food, and sleep. Get outside to get some fresh air, drink as much water as you need, eat fresh and clean, and allow yourself to rest.

  3. Socialize

    Do not let your work take over and consume you. Talking out your problems with a trusted friend or family member can relieve stress and calm your mind. Create a time and space for yourself to interact with others away from work.

  4. Re-frame

    Is your stress being caused by the way you are thinking about a situation? It might be helpful to re-frame how you think about work and find a balance between work and home. Leave your work at work, and take time off to reward yourself.

  5. Re-evaluate

    Re-evaluate your priorities and do not set anything above your own happiness. Set boundaries for yourself and set time every day to participate in some form of relaxation.

Follow these tips and you’ll be recharged and back on top of your game before you know it!

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