5 Signs That You Are Burnt Out at Work
By Chris Brown
In this always connected world, a moment of rest can seem like a lost work opportunity. Those who push themselves too hard, or who have lost the purpose behind their jobs, can experience a common phenomenon known as workplace burnout. Burnout increases anxiety and depression which can lead to life-altering side effects. Oftentimes, people become so enrapt in their work routines that they are unable to identify their own inner sadness. Instead, seemingly unrelated symptoms can emerge that signal it is time to re-evaluate your working situation. Below are the top five observable signs that you may be suffering from workplace burnout.
- Difficulty sleeping - Changes in sleep habits are highly indicative of mental health concerns and depression. If you find yourself sleeplessly staring at the ceiling on a regular basis at night, or oversleeping in the morning, workplace burnout may be the cause.
- Memory problems - Cortisol is the fight-or-flight hormone that is released during times of stress, such as the entire workday for those with workplace burnout. Cortisol is also necessary for memory formation and, when over-released from extended periods of burnout, the stores quickly deplete and result in memory issues.
- Stomach pains - Burnout at a bad job can be a pain, both literally and figuratively. Brain-body communication is strong between the stomach and the brain. So when the brain is stressed, the gut acts accordingly. A study out of the University of North Carolina, in fact, found that eight weeks of therapy reduced stomach problems for 67 percent of participants.
- Withdrawing from things that you used to enjoy - While this is ultimately a sign of depression, this symptom can be a measurable change when you might not notice burnout's other signs. If you find yourself no longer wanting to go out with friends, for instance, it might be time to take an inventory of your psychological state.
- Irritable, cynical, and afflicted by compassion fatigue - Compassion fatigue is a state in which one's empathy towards others begins to wane. Those whose job revolves around helping others, such as police officers or nurses, are particularly prone to compassion fatigue when burnt out. This desensitization can affect your job performance by making you irritable and cynical about others' intentions.
If you believe you are suffering from workplace burnout, the first thing to do is seek a mental health professional for evaluation. Long-term depression from burnout can be much deeper than believed and it is vital to have the knowledge and experience of a doctor for support. Beginning an exercise regiment can also reduce the severity of burnout's depressive feelings. Making drastic life changes, or hurting workplace relationships, immediately upon recognizing your sadness as workplace fatigue is not recommended. Oftentimes, resolving burnout requires a perspective shift, rather than a physical change. Instead, focus self-care back on yourself (perhaps with a self-love visit to The Joint Chiropractic) to replenish your soul and allow you to make the best decisions for your future.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Logan, Utah.