Are you feeling unlike your normal self these days? Do you feel more tired than usual, more irritable, more cynical, or sadder? Are you eating or drinking more than usual? If so, you could be experiencing job burnout. A heavy workload or long work hours that create work-life imbalance, or feeling as though you have no control over your work can be contributing factors. Job burnout can affect both physical and mental health, and is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a special type of work-related stress — a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” If not addressed, burnout can lead to increased stress, hypertension, sleep issues, the misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, feelings of sadness, anger, or irritability, as well as an increased vulnerability to illness (including heart disease and diabetes).
Below is information from the Mayo Clinic about the symptoms and causes of burnout, as well as some suggestions to overcome it.
Symptoms:
- Feeling cynical or critical at work
- Having trouble getting started or being motivated
- Feeling irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers, or clients
- Lacking the energy to be consistently productive
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Lacking satisfaction from your achievements
- Using food, drugs, or alcohol to feel better
- Changes in sleep habits
- New or increased headaches, stomach, or bowel problems
Causes:
- Lack of control
- Unclear job expectations
- Dysfunctional workplace dynamics
- Extremes of activity
- Lack of social support
- Work-life imbalance
To alleviate job burnout:
- Evaluate your options
- Seek support
- Try a relaxing activity
- Get some exercise
- Get some sleep
- Practice mindfulness
Excerpted from “Job burnout: How to spot it and take action” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642 (for the full article)
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.