How to Cope with Burnout?
2020 has not been a great year for many. The pandemic has changed the way we have been functioning for so many years. We certainly are living in times where we are struggling to have a positive outlook on life due to everything happening around us.
Despite the pandemic, we are moving on with our normal lives. We wake up, read the news, start to work, have doubts about the future, and take care of our family and loved ones, whereas our mind yearns for some rest.
This has brought in a lot of psychological impact on people. A lot of people have been experiencing burnout at work and it is reported that the efficiency of employees has reduced during the pandemic.
A lot of millennials have reported feeling burnt out during this pandemic and if you are experiencing burnout, here is what you can do.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that is caused due to prolonged or excessive stress. One experiences burnout when he or she is constantly overwhelmed and emotionally drained to meet their demands.
If you feel burnt out, it is important to take an effort to feel relaxed.
Burnout Symptoms
Burnout can be exhausting and can take a toll on your productivity and the overall quality of life. Here are the most common symptoms of burnout.
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Exhaustion: Lack of energy and the feeling tired all the time to be able to perform day to day tasks
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Lack of Motivation: Lack of enthusiasm. No longer excited about doing things you were excited about once.
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Frustration: Getting agitated for little things and being pessimistic about life.
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Concentration Issues: Have you been making a lot of errors at work? If you find yourself being negligent at work, it is mostly because of a lack of concentration.
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Interpersonal Problems: Finding it hard to communicate, being distant, or having more conflicts than usual.
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Neglecting Oneself: Abiding by unhealthy coping mechanisms such as over-eating, smoking, drinking, etc.
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Being Preoccupied: You are constantly thinking about work at any given moment. Work thoughts interfering in other aspects of life.
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Decreased Happiness: Not feeling happy no matter what you do. Nothing drives you and you are often left feeling dissatisfied with everything.
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Health Problems: Prolonged stress can affect your physical health. Digestive issues, rapid heart rate, weight gain can be a symptom of work burnout.
If you find yourself frequently experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is time for you to unwind from the stress so that you can bounce back with a clear state of mind. Below is a list of remedies that can help you feel better
How to Cope with Burnout?
Take a Work Break
It is not advisable to constantly pressure yourself with work when you are experiencing burnout. It is important to take a step back, unclog your mind, and then return for better productivity and outcome. If in case you cannot afford a break from work, then do set boundaries.
Inform your colleagues not to call you after work hours, do not take up work that will demand your weekends or holidays. This way you can take a step back and focus on other things in life.
Unwind and Relax
Make time to relax. Spare an hour in a day for yourself. Use this time for practices that are known to calm one’s mind. Practice yoga, make breathing exercise a habit, or meditate, this will help you clear your mind and have better focus. You can also consider a village retreat for a weekend.
Make sure you enquire about the hygiene measures taken at the village retreat. Make a confirmation after knowing their safety protocols for the pandemic.
Use Less Phone
A smartphone brings the whole world closer. This also means you get all information happening across the world in seconds in your hands. It is not always a good thing to be updated with everything happening around the world, especially at a time like this.
This causes stress and makes you feel overwhelmed. Disconnect with the internet daily. Make your bedrooms a phone-free zone and keep your phone away before you hit the bed.
If your work includes being on the internet, make sure you take scheduled breaks.
Get Help
Consider talking to a professional about your situation. Pay close attention to the signs and do not hesitate to take help. If you are feeling overburdened with work, talk to HR, and see if your workplace can be helpful to your situation.
Burnout is one of the most common issues faced by millennials. Every time you attach shame to your feelings, always remember that you are not alone and you will get through it.
Author Bio: Ellen Laurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
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