The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised burnout as a disease. It can become a serious health issue so how can you beat burnout, what does it feel like? Here Express.co.uk breaks down what the signs of burnout are and how to beat them.
Burnout is a serious condition many Brits will face over the course of their working lives.
Almost 40 percent of workers in the UK said they had experienced burnout at work over the past 12 months according to a survey by Tide.
Liza Haskell, Chief Administrative Officer at Tide said:
“Our survey shows how common burnout is in today’s society, particularly amongst entrepreneurs who are running their own businesses.
“Whilst hard work is required for a successful business, it should not come at the expense of your health.
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“Long hours may seem productive in the moment, but over the long term the side effects of burnout, such as fatigue, reduced performance and lack of motivation, are likely to hinder your progress.”
In 2019 the World Health Organisation recognised burnout as a new syndrome.
They said: “burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
So how can you spot burnout? Psychologist Lee Chambers says the physical and mental symptoms of burnout include:
- Feeling tense and weighed down
- Increased stress and fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease
- Reduced workplace performance
- Lack of purpose
- Loss of physical and mental wellbeing
- Becoming detached from friends and family
- Loss of our own esteem and identity
Mr Chambers said: “burnout can manifest itself in different forms, and certain occupations can increase your potential chance of being burnt out.
“Those at higher risk of burnout are in positions that involve seeing trauma, having to detach from emotive work, have long hours, and that are regularly judged and assessed.
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Be more self aware
Often those suffering from burnout aren’t aware they have the condition until they hit a crisis.
Mr Chambers said: “Looking at our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is the first step, as awareness allows us to break free from being on autopilot and just going through the motions in life.”
Don’t be afraid to say no
It can be all to easy, especially as things start to open again after the pandemic to fill your diary with things to do.
Try to avoid this if you are struggling to cope, access your workload if you have too much on your plate don’t be afraid to reschedule or cancel plans.
Switch off outside of work
This can be challenging particularly if you, like many Brits, are working from home.
If possible create a separate work space you can walk away from at the end of the day, be this in a spare bedroom or a corner of a room.
It can be hard to separate life and work if you set up your office from the kitchen table.
As tempting as it can be don’t be tempted to answer emails outside of work, if you can on holiday switch on that automatic “out of office” notification on your emails.
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