The past few months have been a struggle for everyone. Together, we have faced many adversities. With the holidays coming up, everyone is looking forward to taking a breather. We are all telling ourselves a version of: “if I can just get a holiday, I can shed off this burden of stress and escape burnout.” If only it were that simple.
Unusual Circumstances
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit globally, all forms of social gatherings were staunchly banned and nations were sent on lockdown. Getting together with family and friends was discouraged. So was travelling. That meant that taking vacations was off of our list of things to do while the world was on lockdown.
Hope Against Hope
Travel bans were in place internationally and even domestically. There goes our hope of taking that much-awaited vacation in the hopes escaping burnout and stress. However, hinging your strategy on a getaway in order to solve your burnout problems isn’t such a sound plan after all. Burnout is defined as “a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability.[1]” While we are all hopeful that a break might chase those burnout blues away. The only real solution is change. Two in particular: a change in environment and a change in behaviour.
How Are You Feeling
Here are some common signs of burnout:
- Feelings of alienation and exhaustion – sure physical distancing is the IN thing nowadays. But if you are experiencing emotional distance and growing cynical about your outlook in life, you might be experiencing burnout. If you feel way beyond tired, and feel emotionally exhausted, numb, and drained, you might be experiencing burnout.
- Physical symptoms – headaches, stomachaches, and gastrointestinal issues are common symptoms of stress and burnout.
- Performance dip – having negative feelings about tasks and responsibilities that you once enjoyed doing are surefire signs of burnout. Dips in productivity and creativity, as well as lack of concentration, are signs as well.
Change In Environment
While a vacation or some time off can and will offer you some temporary relief from stress and burnout, it won’t be a permanent solution to your problem. Take regular scheduled breaks from work along with a change of pace or routine. In rare cases, a change in position or a new job altogether might be necessary for severe burnout.
Change In Behaviour
Developing a clear action plan involves making changes in behaviour as well. Prioritizing self-care is one of the surefire ways to reduce stress and burnout. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and monitor your sleep habits so you can make changes for the better will contribute a lot to reducing stress and burnout.
If you have exhausted all these options and feel that they are not working, try to seek the help of a mental health professional to discover what you need to create a personalized action plan. What are your tips to combat burnout? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp