Are you having trouble getting started? to work?Do you feel disillusioned with your work? Do you find it difficult to concentrate? It is likely that you may be experiencing work stress called burnout syndrome, as a result of prolonged overwork.
MORE INFORMATION: Did you know that mindfulness can end work stress?
During the last decades there has been a significant increase in the hours that a person works per week, a situation that has ended up taking its toll on comprehensive health. Have you wondered if your job is affecting your mental and even physical health? Pay attention to the note.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT SYNDROME?
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that burnout syndrome or burned worker syndrome refers to a state of severe emotional, physical and mental exhaustion in which the person collapses due to psychological exhaustion or stress arising from social interaction and work routine . These are the main characteristics of this problem.
- Feeling of exhaustion.
- Mental detachment from work.
- Worse job performance.
However, health specialists point out that waiting until you are completely exhausted to do something about it does not help at all. The key is to identify it in its early stages.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BURNOUT SYNDROME?
Dr. Julieta Rodríguez–Guzmán, PAHO/WHO Regional Advisor on Workers’ Health, in a forum of the entity, mentioned that “These problems are capable of reducing motivation, commitment and work performance; and produce an increase in absenteeism, staff turnover and early retirement. This leads to a decrease in productivity, competitiveness and the public image of organizations”. According to the World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO)Although each individual is different, here are some of the health risks:
- Mental illnesses (stress and anxiety).
- Cardio/cerebrovascular.
- Muscoskeletal.
- reproductive problems.
- Behavior problems.
- Alcohol and drug abuse.
- Increase in smoking.
- Sedentary lifestyle or fatigue.
- Sleep disorders.
WHAT CAN CAUSE BURNOUT SYNDROME?
The WHO considers that the causes of burnout syndrome include:
- Organization of work.
- The design of the work.
- Conditions of employment.
- Unclear job expectations.
- External conditions (personal problems) that can influence health, performance and job satisfaction.
WHAT SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ABOUT BURNOUT SYNDROME?
Siobhán Murray, Irish psychotherapist expert in the burnout syndromesaid to the BBC that many signs and symptoms of pre-burnout are very similar to depression. He added the following:
- Watch out for bad habits, such as increased alcohol consumption and reliance on sugar to get you through the day.
- Be aware of feelings of tiredness that do not go away.
- “If you sleep well, but at 10 in the morning you are already counting the hours to go to bed. Or you don’t have the energy to exercise or go for a walk. As soon as you start feeling like this, go see your doctor.” Murray advised.
- Another classic sign of approaching burnout is feeling like your work has little value, avoiding social engagements, and becoming more susceptible to disappointment.
- A person who may have mentally distant burnout syndrome. As if they did not have the capacity to get so involved in the common things of life, ”said Jacky Francis Walker, a psychotherapist in London specializing in burnout.
- It is important to get help from a medical professional who can distinguish between depression and work burnout, because while there are many treatment options for depression, burnout can be treated through lifestyle changes.
HOW TO MANAGE BURNOUT SYNDROME?
According to an article in Mayo Clinicif you run into the problem you should do the following:
- Evaluate the options: Discuss your specific concerns with your supervisor to work together to change expectations or reach compromises or solutions. Try to set goals for what you must do and what you can expect.
- Seek support: Talk to your colleagues and friends or loved ones. Support is essential.
- Try a relaxing activity: explore programs that can help you with stress (yoga, meditation, or tai chi).
- Get some exercise: regular physical activity can help you cope better with stress.
- Sleep a little: sleep restores well-being and helps protect health.
- Full attention: Mindfulness is the act of concentrating on the flow of your breath and being intensely aware of what you are perceiving and feeling in each moment, without interpretation or judgment.
- Think of other options: try not to let a demanding or unrewarding job harm your health.
