Overcoming Burnout

Experiencing a Job Burnout? 6 Tips for Overcoming Burnout at Work

Burnout is the result of accumulated stress. Getting burned out makes you feel frustrated, exhausted and worn out physically, mentally and emotionally. When you can't cope with extreme stress, it will spread out and affect your personal and family life, your relationships and your health.

One of the obvious signs of job burnout is when you have to force yourself to work or when even the thought of going to work makes you feel sick. Other symptoms of burnout include developing negative attitudes and bad habits and becoming difficult to work with.

Feeling overwhelmed because of workload isn't the only reason for feeling worn out. One of the major reasons for burnout is because you've lost your passion and starting to feel disillusioned.

You probably started your new job with enthusiasm and wanted to make a contribution. But if you are able to move up in your career, you'll outgrow your role and you will lose your enthusiasm after being in it for a couple of years. You'll start to question the organization's goal and your role in it.

Your passion may have declined not only because of the lack of career and personal growth but also because you feel powerless. When you can't voice out your opinions and ideas or if the leader in your organization won't listen, you will feel frustrated.

The other reason that could have contributed to your frustrations and weariness is the conflicting values that you have with the company. If you disagree with the way things are implemented and have no control to change or adapt to them, you will despise your job and the people you work with.

Working in a hostile environment, job mismatch or doing a job that doesn't fit your interest or talent and being underpaid are some of the other possible causes of burnout.

Overcoming Burnout No. 1 - Taking Stock of Yourself

Before you can overcome burnout, you must recognize the cause. Do a self examination by taking stock of your abilities, experiences, interests, goals, skills and strengths against your present situation. What do you see and how do you feel about yourself and your career? After doing this personal inventory, you would be able to assess your options and plan your next action step. You can decide to adjust, change your job or change your attitude.

Overcoming Burnout No. 2 - Attitude is Everything

Your attitude influences your career, relationships, response to stress and your life. It is necessary to develop a positive attitude towards yourself, people and situations before moving up or moving on. And remember that as much as you want to have things your way, you can't control other people's behavior, attitudes and reactions. Trying to do so will cause lots of stress in your life.

Overcoming Burnout No. 3 - Dealing with Stress at Work

If you feel burned out because of the demands at work, talk to your superior and discuss about your job requirements. Get your desk, filing system and work organized to reduce chaos. Make the best use of your working hours by avoiding time wasting activities and unnecessary socializing. To avoid stress from building up, delegate your work and acquire new skills that will help you do more things in less time.

Overcoming Burnout No. 4 - Achieve a Work-Life Balance

To overcome and avoid burnout, take control of your personal, family and work life and strive to achieve a work life balance. Be assertive so that people will respect your time and say "No" if you have too much on your plate.

Don't bring your work home and don't take your domestic problems to work. Have a life outside work by mixing with a different circle of friends. Get a hobby that keeps your mind stimulated after your 9-5 job. Take time off regularly with your family and friends for recreational activities and exercise.

Overcoming Burnout No. 5 - Do Something Different

If you have lost your passion, find a new or different one. Whatever you choose, align it with your personal values so that your interest won't dwindle over time. Learn about it and develop the skills to master it. You can use the new skill to branch out, move up or change your profession.

Overcoming Burnout No. 6 - Change Your Job

To avoid another burnout if you decide to change your job and your employer, find out about the company or organization that you plan to start your new career. See that it has a vision and that it is in align with your goals, values and expectations. During your interview, ask about your role and job requirements.