Careers what to do when Burnout Occurs
Burnout happens in many types of jobs and anyone is vulnerable to burnout. A simple definition of burnout is that an individual feels that they have used of all of their energy and no longer can complete their daily tasks. Individuals experiencing burnout feel physically fatigued, emotionally overwhelmed, and have problems with even the most basic cognitive functions. Job performance will suffer because when the individual is attempting to manage the stress they feel, they have very little energy left for job performance. So if you are in a situation where you are feeling you have reached the burnout mode, what can you do when burnout hits you?
Personal stress methods
The biggest step to take is to recognize what the stresses are in your own environment and learn to control them. No one can be all things to all people they come in contact with. It is not easy to do a self assessment, but it will improve your own self awareness about the stresses in your life.
Taking care of you
Often individuals that are experiencing burnout will fail to care for themselves physically. If you are in a burnout mode, you must change the cycle of not taking care of yourself. Start by focusing on your diet and start eating a regular well balanced diet. Take a few minutes a day to exercise, exercise rejuvenates you and helps you to manage stressful periods so that they do not take control of you. No one can get by on two or three hours of sleep a night, change your priorities and make getting enough sleep an expectation. Sleep is another example of you taking control of your own environment.
Time management
One of the biggest barriers to manage burnout is lack of time management skills. This an area where you can take control. Individuals experiencing burnout need to set limits and make a determination of how, where and when they use their time, Individuals should view time as a resource that is sacred and time must be used in a manner that benefits you in a positive manner. Time management is essential for when you are in a burnout mode because individuals have not left enough time in daily routine to focus on what is really important to them at work and in their personal life
Positive self talk
This is a tool to help you learn how to relax. Self talk is not an easy task to accomplish especially if you are working in a high stress environment. Finding a relaxation method that works for you will help you to regain control of your life. Examples of relaxation techniques are listening to music or going out for an evening with friends or family. Taking the time to develop outside interests will provide you with diversion from stress and can be a source of relaxation.
Quick relief
You can find two or three minutes every day to close a door and sit down, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Think of a place you visited where you had a good time. Use all of your senses and take yourself a way for a few minutes. This little time frame has a amazing way of getting you focused and maintaining control.
Handling burnout requires you to take control of your life. Develop your own personal plan to reduce the intensity of your reaction to stress in your environment by identifying situations or specific individuals that are causing you to feel stressed. Finding your own work life balance by following your own values and your personal goals will help you to focus on effective use of your time and energy. Never let burnout define you, you can take control and remove yourself and get back on track with your life.
