Feeling It: Burn Out
- H Pannila
- May 12, 2022
- 2 min read
The long nights and jam packed days have finally caught up with you. Getting up in the morning isn't as exciting anymore and maybe that cool new project you just isn't inspiring. Maybe your job is monotonous or you try to be everywhere and do everything. With all of this energy being poured into your job and life in general, we need a balance to recharge and rest. If that time is missing, we can start to experience burn out. Here are some signs that you might be feeling Burn Out: increased cynicism towards your co-workers ("Why can't people do their job!")
Lack of energy ("I am constantly exhausted")
A change in sleeping habits ("I can't seem to fall asleep")
Unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints
Difficulty concentrating ("I have a million things to do...")
Loss of heart or enjoyment of what once made you happy ("I just don't care anymore")
Using substances to avoid feelings ("Alcohol just takes all my stress away")
There are a variety of reasons why someone may experience burn out. It is a very real phenomena which has been proven by observable changes in the brain; in particular the areas related to emotion or what is called the limbic system. You may also think that Burn Out sounds quite similar to Depression and in many ways in can be, however there are difference. With burn out, most of us understand that our symptoms are correlated to the work that we are doing (ie. working long hours, taking on too many projects etc). So how do we deal with these emotions?
How to Deal with Burn Out:
1. Make a list of your own personal stressor - writing your stressor down will help you view them as more manageable and perhaps less scary.
2. Exercise - Getting outside or around people can help take your mind off work
3. Try a relaxing activity - Explore programs like Tai Chi, Yoga or meditation
4. Sleep More - Sleep restores our well-being and helps
5. Build a support network - Friends can really help with stress management.
6. Make small changes - Think about one small change you make to kick start adressing your stressors in a positive and productive manner.
7. Don't forget that everything changes - Change is the only thing we can expect to happen. If things feel overwhelming now, just know that change is around the corner.
Have you every experienced burn out? What are you tips on dealing with burnout?
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