In recent months, we have been reading a lot about people suffering from burnout. Usually a term associated with work related stress from putting in long hours, today it is no longer lawyers and bankers who are suffering from burnout but everyday people like you and I.
Understandably many key workers such as doctors, nurses and care workers have been signed off due to burnout.
What is Burnout?
"Burnout" is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It is characterised by feelings of cynicism and detachment, reduced productivity, and a lack of accomplishment and satisfaction.
The concept of burnout has been around for decades, but it has become increasingly recognised and discussed in recent years. In the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger, an American psychologist, wrote a book about the phenomenon and coined the term "burnout" to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion that can be caused by prolonged stress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised burnout as a medical condition in 2019 and defined it as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."
What Causes It?
Burnout can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overwork, lack of control, and a lack of support. It's a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of accomplishment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major source of stress and disruption for people around the world. Many people have had to adapt to working from home, home-schooling their children, and dealing with financial uncertainty. The pandemic has also led to social isolation, disrupted routines, and a constant sense of uncertainty about the future. All of these factors can contribute to burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. Burnout can make it difficult to function in daily life and can lead to a sense of detachment, cynicism, and decreased productivity. The pandemic has exacerbated many of the risk factors for burnout, including high workload, lack of social support, and chronic stress, making it a common experience for many people in the post-COVID world.
Signs & Symptoms of burnout include:
To help prevent and manage burnout, you can:
It's important to note that burnout is a serious condition that can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health, and it is important to address it as soon as possible...
If you are experiencing burnout, it is important to seek professional help and create a plan to manage and reduce stress in your life.
Further Resources
Burnout is a prevalent concern in modern work life, and it has been addressed in various TED and TEDx talks. Here are two talks that specifically focus on burnout and strategies to avoid it:
"How to Make Work-Life Balance Work" by Nigel Marsh (TEDxSydney)
"Burnout and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Dr. Geri Puleo at TEDxSetonHillUniversity"
Both talks offer unique insights and practical advice on recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing strategies to prevent it, which can be beneficial for individuals and organizations alike.
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