From the scientific point of view burnout syndrome - is a process of progressive loss of emotional and physical energy, which is manifested in symptoms of emotional, mental, physical exhaustion and decreased energy of satisfaction with the work performed. Simply put, a person stops "burning" with his or her work.
Experts say that burnout is almost the same as persistent depression, which can be mild and even end on its own. But not everyone is so lucky.
As burnout sets in, a person's physical and psychological state changes. In the case of physical symptoms, these may include such things as fatigue, feeling exhausted, frequent headaches, excessive body weight or lack thereof, and insomnia. In behavioral changes we can notice the following: work becomes more difficult, the person is restless, insecure.
We show signs of exhaustion when we have experienced great stress, accomplished something great. For example, it took a lot of effort at work, there was some kind of crisis situation. And then there are symptoms such as irritability, lethargy, decreased motivation, depressive symptoms may appear.
If we don't replenish energy through rest, the body goes into an energy-saving mode. In fact, both the body and the psyche are so organized that a lot of tension is possible - after all, people sometimes have to work hard, to achieve some big goals.
A complete list of phases was compiled by American professor J. Greenberg, who identified five stages of emotional exhaustion:
The first step to professional burnout is the "honeymoon period". At this stage, a person is satisfied with his work and performs his tasks with joy, pleasure and enthusiasm.
According to J. Greenberg, the second step is "lack of fuel". The employee still has internal resources to continue to work passionately, but only with high motivation, but at the expense of their own health.
The third stage of burnout is «chronic symptoms». Exhaustion at the physical level. A person has a feeling of hopelessness, impossibility to change anything, there comes a lack of time, and it seems that such a state will last forever.
The fourth stage of burnout is "crisis". There is dissatisfaction with oneself, work and quality of life. A person gradually loses the ability to work, becomes ill.
The fifth step in burnout is "breaking the wall". A threat arises - whether a person can continue to work at all. Both physically and psychologically develop serious diseases and problems.
Burnout syndrome manifests itself:
Apathy, when you stop loving what you used to love. Emotional exhaustion, exhaustion sets in (a person can no longer do work like they used to);
Negative self-esteem in a professional sense - lack of professional skills, feeling incompetent, unprofessional. It's like, "I can't handle this."
What you can do to beat burnout:
Take long breaks from work (vacations, long weekends) and really don't work during that time: don't respond to work emails, don't think about work topics. Go for a nature walk or do other things that are not work-like.
Take a break from your computer, phone and social media every now and then. Constant information stresses our perceptual systems and keeps us from relaxing.
Try to stick to a schedule: go to bed earlier, spend at least an hour a day outdoors.
Think about what energizes you. Make a list and find an activity that you enjoy and can do every day. Other than that, spend more time on the weekends.
You need to be clear about the limits of your resources: it's better to not finish something and then not go out. It only helps to achieve a work-life balance.
Respect and love yourself, value your physical and mental health. Don't be afraid of your weaknesses - everyone has them. Keep your self-esteem in check. Think positively. Work efficiently. And don't get sick!
