In an era where work from home has become more common, managing stress and avoiding burnout has become more important than ever. With blurred lines between personal life and work, many professionals are feeling the heat, both mentally and physically. In this post, we aim to discuss the critical issue of burnout, help you identify the warning signs, and provide measures to promote wellbeing.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It often happens when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Burnout can drastically affect your productivity, zap your energy, leave you feeling helpless, hopeless, and resentful, eventually making you feel like you have nothing more to give.

Warning Signs of Burnout

Burnout doesn't happen overnight - it's the result of constant stress and high demands that aren't managed in healthy ways. Recognising the early signs can be a significant first step in preventing it from taking hold. Here are some common symptoms:

1. Chronic Fatigue:An early sign is a lack of energy, feeling tired most days. In the latter stages, this can escalate to feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, drained, and depleted.
2. Insomnia:In the early stages, you may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep one or two nights a week. In the latter stages, insomnia may turn into a persistent, nightly ordeal.
3. Impaired Concentration:Lack of focus and mild forgetfulness are early signs. Later, the problems may get to the point where you can't get your work done and everything begins to pile up.
4. Physical Symptoms:Physical symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, fainting, and/or headaches.
5. Increased Illness:Because your body is depleted, your immune system becomes weakened, making you more vulnerable to infections, colds, flu, and other immune-related medical problems.
6. Loss of Appetite:In the early stages, you may not feel hungry and may skip a few meals. In the latter stages, you may lose your appetite altogether and begin to lose a significant amount of weight.
7. Depression:In the early stages, you may feel mildly sad and occasionally hopeless, and you may experience feelings of guilt and worthlessness as a result. At its worst, you may feel trapped and severely depressed, potentially thinking the world would be better off without you. If you're feeling this way, seek professional help immediately.

If you identify with several of these symptoms, it might be time to start considering making changes in both your work and personal life, and seek professional help if needed.

Promoting Wellbeing and Combatting Burnout

It's essential to understand that burnout is not a terminal diagnosis - with the right tools and resources, you can combat burnout and regain your energy, focus, and joy. Here are some strategies to promote wellbeing:

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:Make sure you are eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep.
2. Take Breaks:Regular breaks can reduce mental fatigue and boost brain function - even a five-minute pause can be refreshing.
3. Practice Mindfulness:Mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help ground you and make you more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
4. Seek Support:Communicate with your friends, family, or colleagues about your feelings. You can also consider seeking professional help like a psychologist or a coach to guide you.
5. Workplace Wellbeing Programs:Advocate or participate in workplace wellbeing consulting to get your organisation to create a better working environment.
6. Boundaries Setting:Clearly define your work hours and personal time, and ensure you are not overstepping those boundaries.
7. Professional Help:If your feelings of burnout are associated with depression, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

Remember, your wellbeing is crucial for not only your personal life but also your professional life

Taking the right steps towards identifying burnout and promoting wellbeing can significantly enhance your productivity and overall quality of life. By acknowledging the stressors and warning signs, creating an open dialogue about mental health, and making use of resources such as workplace wellbeing consulting, we can build a healthier work culture that values and promotes wellbeing.