The candle that burns twice as brightly burns half as long. Every year stress causes many people to experience what is known as burnout. While not an official condition or disorder, burnout is a term used when an individual has lost the energy, desire, and motivation to continue with the goals in life they have previously set for themselves and worked toward.
A person who is suffering burnout may go to work one day and feel no enjoyment or motivation to complete tasks they did before. Feelings of fatigue, a short temper, depression, and anxiety all go hand in hand with burnout.
For many people who experience burnout, the causes are stress and overwork. While we can deal with excessive amounts of stress for long periods of times, when pushed too far both our minds and our bodies will give in.
Stress Management Can Prevent Burnout
Of course the best approach to burnout is prevention. Stress management is particularly important for those who are suffering from burnout or feel they are at risk. Yoga and mediation are good ways to relieve stress levels. Making sure you spend quality time with your family and friends can also help.
It’s important to ask for help when you need it. If you have too much to do at work, talk to your manager about your workload. Ask your family to help you out with household responsibilities.
Time management can be extremely helpful in relieving stress. Sticking to a schedule and prioritising tasks can not only help you to be more productive, but will also help relieve any pressure you are feeling.
Help For Those Experiencing Burnout
If you or someone close to you is experiencing burnout, there is plenty of help available. The first step is to make an appointment with a medical practitioner. They can rule out any physical symptoms of burnout and help prescribe a plan to get you back to your normal self.
There are many ways to help relieve burnout. A healthy diet and regular exercise are a good start. Many decide on a career change or an extended holiday from work.
So be careful with overwork and manage your stress properly.1