What’s Causing The Burnout Or Signs of Exhaustion?
In the game of life each of us have problems that we must face and each has a source which can cause burnout. The source or cause of the problem can sometimes be found within us – in our attitude, patterns, predictable responses to life or personality make up.
Causes of Burn out
Generally, the causes of our exhaustion are external and they are related to the situations that we are in. This is where your work comes in and others have expectations of you and you have expectations of yourself.
Prevention of Burn out
Identifying and being aware is the first step in getting a handle on the pressures that can negatively impact your performance and well-being.
BURNOUT HAS ITS ORIGIN IN 1 OF THESE 4 AREAS BELOW:
1. Too much demand/ Not enough time:
Your work load may have increased so you work harder to keep up. The work never seems to get completely done and you can never get caught up. Frequently, different sources of stress, and priorities can conflict causing some distress at times. You may become frustrated even that there is very little support for completing your work tasks.
2. Lack of control:
It’s possible that you may be “on call” and be often pulled in many different directions at one, leaving you wiped out. You may end up being restricted due to policies, customers, or a broken system. It may be hard to get tasks done when you are being interrupting constantly.
3. Too much caring:
If you take your work home and worry about client’s after hours that adds to burnt out. You may feel irritated and disappointed when you have to let others down, even when it’s not your fault. Also, having a lack of boundaries and saying “no” to someone, may make you feel guilty.
4. Long-standing stressors:
Long-standing stress and burnout in the workplace can wreck havoc on your health, particularly your immune system, by causing you to get sick more often. It may look like there is no reduction of work load in the near future. You feel frustrated and like you’re stuck in a rut you can’t get out of. The pressures continue to mount and don’t seem to let up. It’s always one thing after another.
After you’ve identified job burnout? How can you recover from emotional exhaustion?
Too much demand/ Not enough time:
- Prioritize
- Manage time well
- Get clear on objectives
- Practice good communication skills
- Analyze problems
Lack of control:
- Schedule your work tasks to fit the ebb and flow of your energy
- Volunteer for tasks you feel are important and let go of the rest
- Alternate your activities more frequently
- When you are fresh, tackle your tough tasks and when you are overwhelmed just take a break from them
Too much caring:
- Check in with yourself in terms of your own personal effectiveness, not your ability to work miracles or achieve perfection
- Speak with a co-worker about tough situations to get an objective reading
- Ensure you accept and acknowledge your own achievements and contribution. Make a list of priorities if you need too
- Let go of becoming over-concerned about others
Long-standing stressors:
- While you are driving to work in the morning or evening ensure that you relax your mind and clear any thoughts that no longer serve you
- Journal and write down your stressful situations. Let go of anything you can change or solve
- Regularly exercise and eat properly according to your own unique needs
- Use humor to reduce the stress in your life and look for humor in challenging situations
