It might be more than just a rough patch—you could be on the path to burnout.
Whilst not new, burnout is a growing issue affecting professionals across all industries in today’s fast-paced world.
I saw it all around me while working in PR in the 90s and when the Blackberry, or Crackberry as my former colleagues called it, was introduced in the early 00s the opportunity to switch off became almost impossible. Now, with 24/7 contact it is impossible without strict boundaries. What is crucial is to spotting it before it’s too late.
Burnout creeps in gradually, starting with excessive stress and fatigue and potentially leading to detachment and cynicism. It often begins with a subtle feeling of unease and dissatisfaction. You might start losing interest in your work, feeling uninspired, and struggling to concentrate. Most people dismiss these early warning signs as a temporary slump but be cautious—they could signal the start of a dangerous journey.
As burnout deepens, your workload starts to feel like a mountain. You might work longer hours, skip self-care, and feel constantly stressed. Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and insomnia are red flags. Ignoring these can seriously harm your mental and physical health.
Without intervention, burnout can reach a breaking point. Exhaustion makes getting out of bed a Herculean task. Emotionally, you might face increased irritability, mood swings, and a sense of detachment from both work and personal life. You may reach for drugs, legal or otherwise, to numb the feelings of being unable to cope. At this stage, burnout can lead to serious health issues like depression and anxiety.
To shield yourself and your colleagues from burnout’s crushing effects, it’s vital to recognise the symptoms. Look out for chronic fatigue, plummeting productivity, rising cynicism, and a waning passion for work. Physical signs like headaches, muscle tension, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns are your body’s way of saying “Pay attention!”
Remember, burnout doesn’t strike overnight. By staying alert to the signs, you can safeguard your well-being and restore a healthy work-life balance.
Ever burnout? What brought you back from it?
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