In the spring of 2021, Pew Research conducted a global study of nearly 19,000 participants from 17 different countries. Participants were asked what makes life meaningful, with the most popular answer usually being family.
ContentsWhat causes burnout?Symptoms of burnoutCombat burnoutTake steps to overcome burnoutOf course, people also find great meaning in their hobbies, work, and health. Unfortunately, when we overwork ourselves to the point of unavoidable stress, we often lose sight of what makes sense.
Burnout syndrome can affect anyone, whether you're a high school student or a CEO. But what exactly causes burnout? And how to treat it and prevent a future burn-out?
We are here to inform you. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about burnout and how to beat it.
Burnout is most often the result of overwork. However, they do not have be a career-related job. For example, a stay-at-home parent may experience burnout simply from juggling all the stressors that come with family care and household chores.
The simple and quick definition of burnout is a state of exhaustion caused by repeated or prolonged stress. A combination of stressors can lead to burnout, and these stressors vary depending on the individual.
But what most often causes burnout? An oversized job or school workload is a major contender. Other causes include lack of social support, poor self-care routines, perfectionist tendencies, and lack of control over the situation.
Your mental and physical well-being are intertwined more than you might think, so you will find that while burnout initially occurs due to mental stress, it will manifest in physical ways as well.
The most common symptoms of burnout are mental and physical fatigue, a cynical attitude, and a lack of motivation and productivity. People suffering from burnout also tend to isolate themselves from others and become irritable. They often spend time daydreaming about escape fantasies.
A poor state of mental health can then lead to physical effects, such as headaches, stomach aches, body aches. The most serious effects include a more vulnerable immune system and even addiction problems.
Treating and even avoiding a burn-out episode is possible. It's important to know what signs to look for if you want to prevent burnout, but what if you're already struggling with burnout?
One of the best ways to get out of burnout is to contact someone you trust. This might be the hardest step, as burnout often leads to isolation. However, a loved one or even a medical professional can provide much-needed support while you work on your well-being.
Much of the stress that comes from burnout is due to disinterest in the job itself. One of the best ways to combat this is to change careers. If that's not possible, check with your supervisor to see if you would be able to cross-train in a different department.
Cynicism being one of the main symptoms of burnout, it is important to indulge in your hobbies and passions. If none of your interests hold your attention, consider joining a local volunteer organization or activity club. Engaging with others in meaningful activities is a great way to break down the pessimism and cynicism that cause burnout.
Burnout is not something to be taken lightly, especially when it starts to affect all aspects of your life. This has a huge impact on your mental and physical well-being, so it's important to know what causes burnout. With the information above, you'll be able to recognize the most common symptoms of burnout and take the right steps to improve your mental health!
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