Life places many demands on us. Over time, they can wear on us, physically, emotionally, and mentally until burnout occurs. Here are some causes of burnout, symptoms, and ways to recover.
What Causes Burnout?
Burnout can be job-related. It is where you continually have to face heavy workloads, demanding bosses, receiving little to no appreciation, working long hours with minimal breaks, and you’re under constant pressure to produce. Not surprisingly, these daily stressors chip away at your health until your body and mind shut down.
Are There Different Types of Burnout?
Yes, there are multiple ways you can incur burnout. Some of the most common include:
Overload Burnout
It happens when you must produce under stressful conditions. Because you have to work so hard to meet these expectations, you might do so at the sacrifice of your mental and physical health, forgoing meals, sleep, and more to meet objectives.
Neglect Burnout
With neglect burnout, you might feel inadequate. You don’t think you have the tools or skills needed to get the job done well, leading to constant feelings of helplessness.
Under-Challenged Burnout
Alternatively, you might have a job where you feel there are no challenges. You excel at your duties to the point where they hold no interest. So, you disengage from your work.
What are the Signs?
Here are some of the traits shared by those suffering from it:
- You disengage from social activities or hobbies you enjoy because you do not have the energy for them
- You share no enthusiasm for things you normally love
- You cannot complete your job duties because you’ve shut down
How Do I Recover?
Since burnout can happen for different reasons, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is vital to understand what kind of burnout you have. Next, you can make adjustments. To demonstrate, if your work doesn’t challenge you, you can seek a new job or find activities that engage you mentally or physically.
Conversely, if your job places too many pressures on you, you need to find ways to relieve this stress. Consider doing the following:
- Getting regular exercise
- Making sure you get enough sleep
- Having a proper diet
- Taking some time to unwind whether through meditation, yoga, stretch therapy, or listening to your favorite podcast
- Creating wiggle room in your schedule for doing the things you enjoy to restore you
And if it is practical, you can always look for a new job.
Receive a Fresh Perspective
Burnout can also lead to substance abuse. It is common for people to drink more or to use drugs to combat feelings of anxiety, frustration, or pressure. If you find yourself in this situation, we offer the guidance you need.
Whether that is help for substance abuse or diagnosis of an underlying mental illness, our team can address the cause for your stress and help you develop a plan to combat it in healthy ways. Learn more about how you can begin your recovery journey today.
