These days, not working is simply not an option for the majority of adults. Some lucky individuals are able to land their dream jobs, but work is still work. Even those of us who love our jobs can still suffer from stress, overload, and burnout.
Burnout at work can happen any time, but it’s more common in people who have been working long hours or long stretches without few days off. If this sounds familiar, read on and find out if you’re showing signs of burnout at work…
Exhaustion or Fatigue
One of the most common signs of burnout at work is exhaustion or fatigue. You may feel extremely tired or just have no energy. I know when I’m experiencing burnout at work, all I want to do is sleep and I find it extremely difficult to get up in the morning.
Procrastination
Have you been putting things off lately? Some people experiencing burnout at work may have little motivation to get anything done whether at work or at home. If work tasks and housework seems to be piling up around you, you may be suffering from burnout.
Preoccupation
You may be burnt out, but it doesn’t mean you can turn your mind off and tune out your job. Being preoccupied with work in your down time could be a sign of burnout. You may not physically be at your workplace, but you may find it extremely difficult to “turn off” your work life or unplug.
Self-Medication
Burnout at work can lead to self-medication for some people. This may include anything from chugging caffeine in the morning to having a few extra cocktails at night to unwind to drowning your woes in a half-gallon of Rocky Road. When your work life has stressed you out to the point of self-medication or self-soothing, there’s a good chance that you’re burnt out.
Poor Performance
The last thing you want to do when you’re burnt out is put any extra time and effort into working. As a result, your performance and the quality of your work will suffer.
Negative Emotions
I’m generally a pretty upbeat and optimistic person. However, when work gets to be too much and I’m bordering on burnout, the nasty negative emotions just take over. My moods can range from depressed to frustrated to downright angry.
Irritability
When I get burnout at work, my poor family usually has to deal with the consequences. Burnout can cause you to become extremely irritable. You might snap at family, friends, and co-workers.
Brain Fog
Burnout at work can really take a toll on your mind. Even the most efficient and dedicated employees can suffer from brain fog in the midst of burnout. You may forget things, overlook important tasks or deadlines, and have trouble concentrating when suffering from work burnout.
If you’re exhibiting signs of burnout at work, it’s important to address the problem sooner rather than later.Chronic stress can lead to health problems, like migraines and high blood pressure.
Here are a few things you can do to counteract and even reverse the effects of burnout at work…
- Relax. Take some time each day to unwind and relax. Try going for a walk, soaking in a bubble bath, or spending quality time with your family. Find what relaxes you and go for it!
- Get a hobby. If you don’t have any other interests outside of your job, burnout at work is inevitable. Find something you enjoy doing and make time for it.
- Unplug. Not so long ago, when the workday ended, it ended. We didn’t have cellphones, tablets, and email to keep us constantly connected. Make it a point to completely unplug when the workday ends. Don’t obsess over your inbox and turn the ringer off on your phone.
- Schedule family time. Your family can be your biggest support system when you’re suffering from burnout at work. Make it a point to spend some quality time with your family at least once or twice a week. Having fun with your family works wonders when you’re stressed.
What about you? How do you unwind when you’re suffering from burnout at work?
