Burnout is a syndrome associated with mental, emotional, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress that goes unmanaged. It can appear through all areas of life such as relationships, caretaking, parenting and work. It can lead to depression, irritability, trouble concentrating and can negatively affect your health overall. Normal stress is typically short lived or tied to a specific goal. If the stress feels never-ending and comes with feelings of hopelessness, apathy, and emptiness, it may actually be burnout.
Signs and Symptoms of Burnout:
- Feeling tired & drained most of the time
- Changes in appetite or sleep habits
- Loss of motivation
- Sense of failure and self doubt
- Procrastination
- Withdrawing from responsibilities
- Isolating from the support and engagement of others
How to Deal with Burnout:
- Reach out to those close to you for support and engagement.
- Find balance in your life & set boundaries with the different areas of life so one part doesn’t take over.
- Find ways to recharge when you are run down. Spend your time participating in activities you enjoy.
- Set aside time for relaxation and downtime possibly even taking a break from technology.
- Prioritize working out and increasing your heartrate to boost your mood
- Focus on healthier eating.