Burnout is a serious problem for a lot of people with demanding jobs. Stress and overwork can cause people to become exhausted and unhappy. They worry non-stop, lose interest in other activities, stop taking care of themselves outside of work, and feel pessimistic, frustrated, and disillusioned.

And ultimately, people suffering from burnout often experience difficulties at work. Even though they’re putting in a tremendous amount of effort, it’s not something that can be sustained. So eventually, burnout often results in reduced productivity, a drop in motivation, and more frequent conflicts with coworkers.

So what should you do if you’re experiencing burnout or you feel like you’re starting to head in that direction? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Take breaks during the workday – Allow yourself time to step away from your desk and clear your head. Even short breaks can be very restorative.
  • Make time for relaxation – Once you leave the office, stop working. Use that time to engage in some sort of relaxing activity – whatever you enjoy! Read a book, take a walk, watch a movie, or go out to eat with a friend. And during this time, don’t read or answer work emails. You need to separate yourself from work, and take time to relax and unwind.
  • Take up a hobby – Find something outside of work that you’re passionate about, and start devoting some of your time to that endeavor. It will help you feel more energized and engaged.
  • Know when to say “when” – If your workload is simply too heavy to manage, you need to lighten the load. Delegate work to others if possible. Talk to your manager about prioritizing your work, and then focus on the most important items. And don’t take on new projects without giving them careful consideration first.
  • Get some sleep – Try to get at least six hours of sleep each night. Getting the right amount of sleep will help you feel more productive, positive, and effective.

 

Gerry, L. M. (2013, April 1). 10 signs you’re burning out – and what to do about it. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/04/01/10-signs-youre-burning-out-and-what-to-do-about-it/#71d0a35e625b