The daily grind can, at times, leave you feeling exhausted and stressed. If this is something you experience often, you could be at risk of burnout. Everyone is different and the effects vary between individuals. There are steps you can take before you reach the point of total burnout, and remember you are not alone.
Firstly, you shouldn’t be afraid of consequences at the idea of taking a break, especially when you need it. You may feel disinterested or irritable with your work, or colleagues, and you shouldn’t force yourself to carry the strain, in the long term this could damage your relationships in the workplace and with your own role.
You have probably heard people joke ‘we are not at school’ – however many people do feel as though they have to be present in the office to show face, even when sick. Remember that working when you are unwell won’t aid your recovery, it could also mean you are less productive and therefore it won’t help your organisation either. If you are sick take the time needed to recover and focus on your personal health and wellbeing.
As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. If you feel comfortable in speaking with your colleagues, there is a good chance that you are not the only person feeling this way, especially if it is symptomatic of the company culture. There could be contributors that can be changed within your own team or the organisation as a whole.
Arrange a time to speak with your Line Manager, articulating how you feel and how it might impact your performance, remember to think of potential solutions to discuss, that you feel would be beneficial to you, and possibly others experiencing similar feelings. On the flip side, it is important to remember to not compare yourself to others, it does not make your feelings invalid if you are the only person experiencing the symptoms of burnout.
The most significant advice is to focus on yourself. Take the time that you need to prioritise on your own mental wellbeing and physical health. If this means taking annual leave; book it. If you need a few days working from home to avoid a long commute; ask your manager. Do things that you enjoy, whether that is going for a walk on your lunch break, heading to the gym, or reading a book to avoid screens for a couple of hours, you should prioritise what is going to help you.
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day and have a working space which allows natural light – these small steps can make a remarkable difference!
Generally, a healthy routine and lifestyle will be beneficial to your productivity. You could consult your HR department if you don’t feel as though you are being supported, or perhaps a change in role / company culture entirely will reset you and avoid burnout.
