This informal CPD article ‘Understanding and Overcoming Burnout’, was provided by Mazen Edlibi, a Relationship and Mindset Coach, on behalf of Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC) – offering coaching and training services to organizations and communities, as well as life skills training and coaching for individuals with disabilities.
Burnout is recognized as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, and it is a work-related pressure which can also arise from other areas of life such as caregiving or academic demands. As human beings we aim in our lives for satisfaction and achievement, therefore it is crucial to recognize and spot burnout so we can strike the balance between our own demands and the demands of life we live.
What is burnout?
In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined burnout as follows:
“a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:
- feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
- increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
- reduced professional efficacy.
Burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.” (1)
Symptoms of burnout
Burnout can often be seen and noticed by the following symptoms:
- Physical Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
- Emotional Signs: Feelings of helplessness, cynicism, and detachment.
- Behavioral Changes: Decreased performance, increased absenteeism, and withdrawal from responsibilities.
How to manage burnout
Methods of preventing and managing burnout will be unique to individuals and dependent on the specific experience. However, the following are some general tips that can be helpful in managing burnout.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize tasks (For example, can I handle this task now within the time and resources I have?).
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks during work hours can help recharge your energy.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Watch your diet, exercise, and sleep. Reflect on which of these areas could potentially be improved.
- Seek Support: Talk to colleagues, friends, or family members about your feelings. Sometimes, just sharing can lighten the load.
- Professional Help: If burnout becomes overwhelming, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
- Engage in Hobbies: Pursuing activities you enjoy can provide a sense of accomplishment and pleasure, counteracting the effects of stress.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress levels and enhance emotional stability.
In conclusion, burnout is a serious issue that requires attention and proactive management by all of us. It is important to be alert and recognize signs of burnout and to implement strategies to counteract stress or any kind of pressure we are facing. We can reclaim our well-being and maintain a healthier, more balanced life, when we build this kind of self-awareness. We just need to remember that our health and happiness are dear to us; and prioritizing them is a necessity and not a luxury.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC), please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References:
(1) https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
