Understanding Occupational Burnout

Occupational burnout is the physical, emotional and mental depletion as a result of ongoing stress in the workplace. It not only hampers one’s performance but if neglected can even become threatening to your health. 

1. What Is Occupational Burnout?

• Do you loathe going to work every day, feeling strange before the day even begins? 
• You might be experiencing occupational burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress at work. 

2. What Causes Burnout?

Burnout is not simply a result of working too much. It has some common triggers like the ones below:

• Lack of Control: Feeling like you have no influence over the decisions that affect your work.
• Unclear Expectations: Not having a clear idea of what is expected from you leads to unnecessary frustration.
• Workplace Conflicts: Conflicts with coworkers or your boss can increase stress levels.
• Unmanageable Workload: Constant pressure or not having enough tasks, either way, would lead to this condition.
• Poor Work-Life Balance: When work drains all your time and energy, there is no time left for your personal life.

3. Are You at Risk?

Certain professions, like healthcare or teaching, come with higher burnout risks. Due to long working schedules, emotional tension, and too many tasks at hand, it is easy to get to a point where one is too drained to even function. If you tend to be the kind of a person who puts out a lot and would not even turn it off, pay attention because you could be at risk.

4. Costs of Ignoring Burnout

Burnout can also be defined as being tired in other words, being overwhelmed with a lot of things. When ignored, the following can occur.

• Chronic stress.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Sleep disorders.
• Increased dependence on alcohol or drugs.
• Serious physical issues like heart disease or high blood pressure.

5. Let Us Combat Burnout Together:

• Make your boss aware of your need to scale back some documents or paperwork, as it will bring down the pressure.
• It is okay to express one’s feelings and emotions to relieve stress, illness, or frustration caused by co-workers.
• Add activities like meditation, yoga, or even taking a short walk, as this helps to reduce stress.
• Exercise is a natural way to refresh both your mind and body from everyday stress.
• Discipline yourself to focus on what is happening in the present without evaluating it; this has been shown to alleviate anxiety.

Identifying burnout in its early stages and taking action can save your health as well as your career. Rest, do not permit circumstances to force you to make dramatic decisions. Observe any outward signs and seek assistance to reclaim your spirit.