Are You Experincing Burn Out? Find Out Here.

July 20, 2008 8:15 am Dr. Duffy Crises, Miscellaneous, Stress

Buried at Work?

What is Burnout?

Burnout is physical and emotion depletion caused by an intense involvement in a situation in which the person has little control and recognition. Burnout is most likely to occur in situations where an individual perceives little effect from his or her efforts. Burnout can be caused by unrealistic expectations and demands from an outside source, or from idealistic goals, perfectionism and unreasonable expectations of oneself.

Common Symptoms of Burnout

Those working in a high stress environment may experience many of the warning signs of burnout. Some of the most common symptoms are:

Ø Increased absenteeism

Ø Avoiding or rushing through work

Ø Rigid rules and “by the book” approaches

Ø Dehumanizing clients

Ø Anger and emotional outbursts

Ø Increasingly cynical attitudes

Ø Boredom

Ø Stress from work interfering in social and family relationship

Ø Physical symptoms of stress such as headaches sleep disturbance and tiredness.

Some important reminders to prevent burnout:

Ø Take care of you, it will relieve some of your stress and allow you to better deal with others

Ø Learn and use self-empathy and self-nurturing techniques

Ø Try understanding and treating yourself with care

Ø Allow yourself to say no, offer alternatives, or even avoid situations if you feel unable to say no

Ø Increase your self-awareness

Ø Plan for a routine to help ease the transition from work to home. (Do not use alcohol to unwind)

Ø Do not expect all your feelings of self-esteem to come from your profession.

Ø Develop outside interests that have nothing to do with your work.

Ø Try to avoid over-identification with clients

Ø Recognize and allow your own feelings

Ø Develop relationships outside of work where you can talk about your feelings

Ø Practice stress reduction techniques (exercise, relaxation, meditation, distraction)

Ø Plan for regular breaks, conferences, and vacations

Ø Talk with colleagues to not only complain, but also to also make plans for burnout prevention, take charge where you can

Ø Know when to say “enough”, consider transfer if necessary

Burnout can and must be prevented. Recognition of your own level of stress and taking care of yourself are the keys to stress reduction and burnout prevention.

Burnout can also have an unexpected positive influence in your life; it can act as a catalyst to make a much-needed change. It can be the impetus to move on to different more rewarding careers. Many entrepreneurs started off as burned out employees.