Hi there,
Welcome to another edition of Productivity Wednesday.
Last week we started the conversation about burnout, and it seem like the perfect time to explore the subject further, considering the year is gradually coming to an end. For many, it may seem like you need the determination of Hercules to get out of bed daily and getting set for work; you just seem to always want more sleep once the alarm goes off and as I stated last week, this is not laziness at all, but simply shows that you are experiencing burnout from long hours of stress.
Today, we will discuss some of the causes and symptoms of burnout as well as the control of burnout. Just like every breakdown, burnout starts gradually before it becomes full-fledged where you begin to experience the loss of motivation, determination, increasingly hopeless, helpless, and cynical. Paying out attention to the following symptoms would help you detect that you are on a fast lane to being burnout before it gets out of control. These symptoms could be physical, emotional and/or behavioural. Some of the symptoms to look out for include.
- Feeling tired and drained most of the time
- Change in appetite and sleeping habits
- Frequent headaches or muscle pain which can give room for other illnesses to arise.
- Loss of motivation.
- Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment as your productivity would drop.
- Procrastination and longer hours in completing set tasks.
- Use of stimulants such as drugs, caffeine, or energy drinks to keep up.
Burnout often stems from work. Being burnout is fostered by being overworked and undervalued but the causes of burnout doesn’t only stem from being overworked; factors such as our personality traits and lifestyle can contribute to burnout. Some activities that cause burnout include:
- Having an overwhelming feeling from the number of tasks.
- Overly demanding job deliverables.
- When tasks become monotonous and unchallenging.
- Lack of socializing and relaxing and burdened with work.
- Poor sleeping habits.
Dealing with burnout can be summarized in a “Three R” approach:
- Recognize: watch out for early symptoms and signs of burnout.
- Reverse: Undo the damage by seeking support and managing stress.
- Resilience: Build your resilience by taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Other activities that can help in dealing with burnout include exercising, avoid sugary substances, taking some time off, avoid smoking and get enough sleep. As the year is winding down, take some time to reevaluate your priorities and make room for rest. Albert Tate says, “Napping is the new hustle.” Napping or sleeping does not mean you are lazy; just give your body what it needs before it takes it from you by force.
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Until I come your way again, stay safe, work smart and not just hard.
Love,
Lizzy.