How To Escape Burnout, Which Is Impacting 67% Of The Workforce
As the lines between work and personal life become increasingly blurred, burnout has become a common issue, affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness, burnout can significantly impact one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. A study of approximately 7,500 full-time employees found that 67% of workers felt some state of burnout – with 23% saying they felt burned out at work very often or always, and 44% felt burned out sometimes.
Burnout often results from prolonged stress, particularly in the workplace, where individuals feel overworked and under appreciated, with heavy workloads and deadline pressures. It’s considered “an occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Burnout becomes increasingly normalized as more people experience it. But it is not, and should not be considered, a sustainable state of living. Fortunately, it is possible to make the necessary changes to escape burnout if you take a proactive approach to relieving yourself of a constant to-do list and embracing everything else life has to offer.
Signs Of Burnout
The journey to overcome burnout begins with recognizing the signs of being in this state and taking them seriously. When you’re living in a state of burnout, it can feel insurmountable. “The sense of being overwhelmed is a signal, not a long-term sentence,” explains Monique Valcour in the Harvard Business Review. “Your brutal experience can serve as a turning point that launches you into a more sustainable career and a happier, healthier life.”
Burnout can present itself in a series of physical symptoms, including insomnia, nausea, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, recurring headaches, and more. It can also lead to dissatisfaction at work, during hobbies, and in relationships. “If every day feels like a race to the finish line with no end in sight, you might be dealing with burnout,” says Sonia Jhas, mindset author, speaker, and host of the podcast The Sweet(er) Spot. “It’s important to recognize that burnout isn’t the only way to live. You can live a life of ease, joy, purpose, and authenticity while still achieving your dreams. It might mean making a major life shift, but navigating that journey is worth it to blossom into a healthier, happier version of yourself.”
Overcoming Burnout
Taking the time to assess and understand the root causes of one’s burnout is crucial for developing an effective recovery strategy. One of the first steps is to prioritize self-care, and find a good work-life balance. This means setting boundaries, ensuring adequate rest and relaxation, engaging in regular physical activity, and nourishing the body with a balanced diet. “Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity,” says Stephanie A. Sarkis, Ph.D. “It’s hard for us to fill the roles we have in our lives when we are running on empty. Part of caring for and loving others is to love ourselves first. That means we make sure we put self-care first.”
Building supportive relationships is also crucial for transitioning from burnout to bliss. “Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging,” says Jhas. “Your social support can come from in-person connections or relationships formed virtually through online networks and groups. The most important thing is to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you and make you feel valued.”
Finally, it’s essential to slow down, even if it feels impossible. “We get into this habit of running on a hamster wheel, chasing the next thing that is going to make us happy or bring us success. What we really need to do is take the time to identify our purpose and personal truth, then align them to our actions,” adds Jhas.
In addition to these strategies, it’s important to seek professional help when needed from therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals. These professionals can be invaluable in providing support and guidance as you navigate this journey.
Shifting away from a state of burnout won’t happen overnight. It requires awareness, self-care, mindfulness, supportive relationships, a sense of purpose, and sometimes professional help. By acknowledging the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address its underlying causes, individuals can transition to a state of bliss, where they feel more energized, fulfilled, and at peace. Embracing this journey can lead to a more balanced and meaningful life, free from the shackles of burnout.