Are you moving a bit slower these days? Do you find yourself lacking the vigor and get-up-and-go of the past? After a while, heading to work doesn’t feel the same. It’s a long list of meetings and to-dos that you don’t have the excitement to knock out.
This emotion isn’t boredom for most people. It’s burnout, a condition in which workers have done so much that they have little left to give. It’s common and problematic, but there is hope. You can fight it off as best as possible. Learn to recognize the condition, spot it early and overcome the challenges.
What Is Burnout?
Office locations or work, in general, can feel stressful to many. Your day is filled from when you arrive to when you leave. You’re in classes for business negotiations training, writing emails, completing reports and meeting with customers. It’s non-stop stress that piles up without seeming to end. You’re burnt out, having little energy or enthusiasm left to remain productive. With the fizzle gone, you’re going through the motions each day.
Several early signs of this condition can appear, such as emotional and physical wellness changes. Be aware of the following symptoms:
- Emotional eating
- New and constant headaches
- Snappish or overly critical comments
- Lacking initiative and drive
- Poor focus
- Decreased energy
- Recent trouble sleeping
What Are the Leading Causes of Burnout?
You were once leaping out of bed, ready to tackle the day’s work. The office energized you, giving you something to look forward to each morning. Now, you can’t think of any place you want to be less. How did you go from point A to point B? Several things likely created this change.
Stress and anxiety kicked in. You moved up in the company, getting more to do and more to handle. The list for the day grew longer, and you’re facing more than you want to accomplish and can physically manage. As a result, Dysautonomia may trigger, a condition that centers around problems with the central nervous system. It throws off your body’s physical and emotional state.
In addition, environmental conditions within the office may increase your stress levels. A mismatched group of employees may frequently fight or disagree, and communication concerns may lead to uncertainty. Long hours and high expectations may add pressure.
3 Ways To Overcome and Avoid Burnout in Your Life
You need your job, but you don’t want to deplete yourself. What can you do? It’s essential to start by assessing what leads to your frustrations and lack of energy. Sit down and think about what bothers you the most when you head to work. Then, ask how you could change that element to improve your office time.
Talk with your manager. You’re a valued employee; the goal should be to help you succeed. Discuss your current workload and expectations. Would removing a project alleviate the stress and allow you to become more productive again? Retool your job expectations to get your performance back up to the level you like.
Take a vacation. The body can handle only so much, and while weekends are nice, they aren’t enough to recoup from severe stress episodes. Use your vacation time to get away for a few days or a week. Do something for you that makes you happy and revs us your motivation. You might even take a staycation, working on your to-do list for home.
Find a good exercise routine to help you release the pent-up anxiety and stress. Hit the gym, go for walks or runs or take up a class nearby. Studies show exercise could make a big difference. Moving the body creates physical changes that could detox the body from tension buildup.
Work burnout is common. Many employees find it hard to balance doing their job well and focusing on their personal life and health. Don’t hold in your irritation. If stress affects your performance, talk to your manager and make time for yourself.
