The new year has arrived! For some, the holiday season may have called for a much-needed break, allowing you to head into 2023 feeling refreshed and rested. However, for many others, the holiday season can mean added stress, an increased workload, and exhaustion. So, we thought this would be a good time to chat about what signs to look for when experiencing burnout, and how best to combat it this year.
What is burnout?
The Mayo Clinic describes burnout as the following: “a special type of work-related stress — a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.”
While it isn’t a medical diagnosis, it is certainly something that shouldn’t be ignored, and you should address if symptoms persist.
What symptoms should you be aware of?
Some main symptoms of burnout include:
- Feeling drained and tired
- Backaches and headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Disruption of sleep
- Withdrawing from others
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Lack of confidence
- Helplessness
- Avoiding going to work
While burnout and stress are often thought to be the same, that is not always the case. Burnout typically results in feelings of avoidance, helplessness, and struggles with going to work and/or completing daily tasks both in and out of the workplace. Stress more typically results in overachieving, taking on more work, and feeling like you must always have to be “on.”
How can you help avoid burnout?
Ask for help
One of the best ways to avoid burnout from manifesting, is to reach out for help when you notice symptoms. Whether it be a co-worker, friend, or medical professional, you don’t have to feel this way. There are resources available to you, and people who will help support you.
Stay engaged
When experiencing burnout, you may feel the desire to withdraw. However, it is best to stay engaged with those your work with, even when challenging, so that you don’t feel further detached and withdrawn from your job and your co-workers.
Prioritize yourself
What do you enjoy doing? Whether it be exercising, reading, or creating, be sure to carve out time that allows you to focus on the things that bring you joy and calm in your life. Work-life balance is incredibly important, and you want to make sure you are giving yourself the opportunity to fill your cup both inside, and outside, of your career.
Burnout is something that shouldn’t be ignored. It is important to address it immediately so that it doesn’t further manifest itself into something more severe like an anxiety disorder or depression.
We want you to start off 2023 with your best foot forward! Just as safety is incredibly important in your job, so is your mental health.