You’ve heard the phrase “work hard, play hard” but are you following that advice? Most of us are managing multiple varied responsibilities and are busier than ever before. Because of our hurried lives, we often do not make self-care a priority.
Chronic stressors over an extended period that lead to exhaustion, lack of interest, and decrease in job performance describe burnout. Burnout is state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. Burnout is more than being too stressed or too busy. It is overwhelming but does not happen overnight. Burnout is a gradual process that is the result of ongoing neglect. Neglect of time, capacity, and needs. Burnout is giving too much or taking on too much without replenishment or renewal. Burnout prohibits your ability to function both personally and professionally. It is a threat to your job, your health, and your relationships.
3 Ways to avoid professional burnout:
- Eat well, exercise and get adequate sleep
- Destress | Strive for work/life harmony
- Build a strong support system
Many people who suffer from burnout experience common symptoms. Here are warning signs that you may be dangerously approaching or currently experiencing burnout.
15 Warning Signs of Professional Burnout:
- Resentment or anger
- Cynicism or overly critical
- Unsatisfied with your job
- Irritable or impatient with coworkers, customers, or clients
- Unmotivated or not performing to the same standards
- Unable to concentrate or focus
- Self-neglect
- Self-medicating (with food, drugs, alcohol, or sex)
- Unable to disconnect from work
- Insomnia
- Physical pain
- Medical/health problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Abnormal turmoil in personal relationships
3 Ways to recover from professional burnout:
- Secure the personal and professional help you need
- Use self-compassion to develop a self-care plan
- Reset your boundaries and priorities
Related:
- Self-Care Is A Universal Challenge
- Make Vacation A Part of Your Self-Care Routine
- Make Professional Development A Part of Your Self-Care Plan
- 31 Ways Social Workers Can Practice Self-Care
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is a travel and cupcake lover with a passion for self-discovery and career advancement. She has an extensive background in developing and managing interns and successful internship programs. She is an accomplished manager, professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has packaged her Master of Social Work degree and 20 years of diverse work experience into Packaged For Success Enterprises, a full-service training and professional development company.
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