Recognizing Burnout

“Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion (Darlene Dawns Health, 2023).” Burnout stems from operating from a space of adrenaline that is meant to help in moments where it is most necessary (e.g.,  safety purposes and meeting deadlines). Burnout is living everyday stretched beyond “natural capacity” otherwise described as “survival mode”. When “survival mode” is the default, burnout is inevitable. Just like running a race, with a destination in mind, endurance, strategizing, and preserving energy is essential and necessary. Sprinting, with no destination or finish line, will lead to fatigue. Symptoms of burnout are categorized into 3 parts: physical, emotional, and behavioral (Darlene Dawns Health, 2023). 

Physical Symptoms 

• Headaches
• Stomachaches/intestinal issues
• Fatigue
• Frequent illness
• Changes in appetite/sleep.

Emotional Symptoms 

• Helplessness
• Cynicism
• Sense of failure or self-doubt
• Decreased satisfaction
• Feeling detached or alone in the world
• Loss of motivation.

Behavioral Symptoms 

• Reduced performance in everyday tasks
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Procrastination
• Outbursts
• Using substances to cope.

Here are some strategies to help you regain balance after burnout: 

• Seek community and support through friends, family, colleagues, or community groups
• Change the way you look at work or your home life by finding value, meaning and balance
• Nourish your creativity by doing something interesting
• Prioritize diet and exercise to boost mood and energy
• Prioritize time and give yourself necessary breaks
• Get enough rest and quality sleep

References 

Darling Downs Health. (2023, September 17). Signs you might be experiencing a burnout and how to regain balance in your life. 

https://www.darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-stories/feature-articles/signs-you-might-be-experiencing-a-burnout-and-how-to-regain-balance-in-your-life