5 Signs of Being Burnt Out

2. HAVE NOTHING CREATIVE TO CONTRIBUTE

Cannot remember when was the last time you did something creative or used a different approach? It probably is because you are in the midst of a burnout. You feel your creative output will not be valued and hence there is no use of it.

3. INCREASED PESSIMISM & IRRITABILITY

This is when you begin to see your glass as half empty. You begin to feel negative towards your work and that there is no point in accomplishing anything anymore. Just thinking about your work makes you irritable and fills you up with negative emotions.

4. PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION

Feeling tired all the time? A hallmark sign of a burnout is when you find it hard to get off our bed in the morning. Exhaustion can be emotional, mental or physical. It’s the sense of not having any energy, purpose or motivation. At a more serious stage, you can suffer from chronic anxiety, feeling of helplessness and depression.

5. PHYSICAL PROBLEMS

These may include heart palpitations, chest pain, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness and increased headaches. You may also suffer from insomnia and loss of appetite or unhealthy eating habits due to the work pressure and stress. Burnouts can weaken your immune system making you more vulnerable to colds, flu and viral infections

The “Malaysia’s Healthiest Workplace” survey conducted by AIA Vitality, revealed that “some 53% of Malaysian employees reported at least one dimension of work-related stress, while 12% experienced high levels of anxiety or depression.”

So, if you feel like you are experiencing the above symptoms, take a breath, relax and read the following tips.

PRIORITISE YOURSELF, YOUR HEALTH

Whether it is meditation, listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or visiting friends and family, truly think about what will help you relax, and designate time for it. You could also find something that you find interesting and challenging like painting, sports or fitness activities that will help restore your energy, physical strength and creative spirit. 

REACH OUT TO OTHERS

An effective way to relieve stress and mounting pressure is to have a heart-to-heart with someone who genuinely cares for your well-being. Share your problems, thoughts and concerns with your loved ones, a friend or a trusted co-worker. It may not solve all your problems but it helps to release the emotions you have bottled up within.

GET ORGANISED, UNPLUG, & GET SOME SNOOZE TIME

A to-do list can help you get organised with your work enabling you to see how much you can manage within your own capacity and prioritise likewise. It is understandably hard to stay away from our electronic devices which usually add on to work stress. Set clear boundaries by turning off your cell phone at dinner, during family time and delegate certain times to check emails.

Once organised and unplugged, you are likely to get better sleep, which is essential in restoring and replenishing your energy and focus.

Burnout is serious as it is not just your work that suffers, but your health, mental state and the lives of the people around you. Whether it is finding new ways of performing everyday tasks or simply taking a break from work completely, it is vital to do what is right for your health.