Tips for Dealing With Burnout
By Randi Morse
Have you ever felt emotionally exhausted, had a difficult time focusing on your work, pulled yourself away from social engagements with friends and family, and felt like you lacked energy? You may be dealing with burnout. Burnout is the name used to describe the feeling you get when you have completely exhausted all your internal resources. Think of your body like an engine, your drive and ability to focus and complete tasks is the gas. As you work and go along on your daily routine you are using up that gas. Burnout is when the entire tank is drained. Professionals often find themselves occasionally dealing with burnout. If you are finding yourself feeling as though you don't have the energy necessary to complete your day, here are a few tips that may help alleviate your burnout.
Stop Working
Seriously, stop working. Taking a break away from work is a great way to put fuel back in your tank. This doesn't mean simply having 15 minutes to yourself during the workday, and it doesn't even mean taking the weekend off. If you are trying to reverse burnout, you need a total cutoff from your work. Explain the situation to your supervisor and request to be allowed a week or two away from your job. During this time, don't go on vacation, as that is stressful itself, and don't have any contact with work. This total shutoff from your job is a great way to help restore your drive.
Change Your Job
You may absolutely love the company that you work for, but how long have you been in the position you currently hold? When you're doing the same thing day in and day out, the repetition can get monotonous, which can contribute to burnout. It's not a bad idea, if you are experiencing the symptoms of burnout, to request a transfer to another department. Working in another area should help by giving you new goals and interacting with new people. It also allows you to continue working for your company and prevents the stress that comes with looking for another job.
Dealing with burnout can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately one of the best ways to beat back the signs of burnout is to shut yourself off from your life for a short time. This may seem like a scary proposition, but time away from your job, and the stresses of your daily life, is the best way to recharge your energy.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, Okla.