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Psychologist Stanislav Sambursky named 5 signs of burnout: a note for workaholics
08.10.2023 10:25
Work is an important part of life, and happiness is when it brings pleasure! But sometimes even the most satisfied person can realize that he hates his work. Then we are talking about professional burnout.
Every year, more and more cases of this phenomenon are recorded in the world, and it is worth noting that the position held does not affect this in any way. In ICD-11, "burnout" is singled out as a separate category and is defined as a professional phenomenon caused by chronic stress at work.
Signs of professional burnout
Feeling chronically tired
The main symptom of burnout is exhaustion. It is experienced constantly, even in the family circle, among friends, on weekends and on vacation.
Lack of engagement in work
A person's motivation level drops sharply. Work is done slowly, there is no involvement and sense of satisfaction. The end of the working day no longer brings joy and relief, since it is no longer possible to meet the established deadlines. It also happens differently: the set goals are achieved, but there is no interest in them, as well as no understanding of the value of the work done.
Doubts
Emotional burnout leads to a change in outlook on life. Everything is painted in dark tones. Negativity and cynicism prevail in behavior, after which the main guidelines in work activity are lost. If work used to seem like a calling, now it seems like a waste of time.
Relationships with colleagues also change: those who used to be allies appear in the opposite light, enemies are discovered without reason. An obsessive feeling appears that “your voice” no longer decides anything.
Decrease in efficiency
The unwillingness to work leads to an obsessive desire to miss deadlines, to work unscrupulously, to skip work, etc. The loss of concentration and energy is to blame for all this.
Frequent illnesses
Chronic stress will sooner or later manifest itself physically. Usually, this is a headache, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, decreased immunity, sleep disturbances. Thus, the body acts as a signaling system, calling for attention to obvious problems.
Problem Solving Tools
The reality is that not every employer cares about employees, especially their emotional and physical health. Overtime and other excessive demands are becoming the norm, leading to unpleasant consequences. Therefore, responsibility for professional burnout lies with both managers and performers. But the latter must adhere to certain recommendations.
Seek professional help
Listen to yourself: how many good and bad days do you have per month? If there is a clear imbalance in the negative direction, consider seeking help from a specialist, to whom it is important to tell about the symptoms and negative changes. It is also important to realize that work should not become the center of life. Its completeness is also based on other things that help identify yourself in other qualities: friend, traveler, athlete, etc.
Get support at work
Understanding the pain points in your workflow is only part of the journey. Next, you need to talk to your boss about the possibility of moving to other areas, projects, or more radical career changes.
Reconsidering Possibilities
For most people, it is important that the results of their actions have value for the company. When this does not happen, the risk of burnout increases. In this regard, it would be a good idea to review the set of typical actions, make a plan for updating it and offer it to management. Analyzing situations that provoke fatigue should also become a habit.
Slow down and give yourself a rest
Fatigue has appeared, which means you need to slow down. Don't ignore it, don't think that everything will pass, but really slow down. Leave work at the appointed time. Spend your weekends not on your phone or laptop, but pick up technology as little as possible. Be outdoors more often. Many will say: "How can I rest if the deadlines for the report are burning!" This is the catch: a rested person works faster and better than a tired one.
