What is Burnout & What to do About it
#TLDR
As a motivated and driven person, pushing hard to achieve is rewarding and feels great. To a point.
Symptoms of burnout include: physical and/or emotional exhaustion, cognitive impairment, increased irritability, physical symptoms, reduced job/life satisfaction and cynicism.
Reduce burnout and anxiety through: prioritizing self care, setting boundaries, delegating/outsourcing tasks, and getting support.
Not managing a work-life balance leads to burnout and anxiety.
There are many rewards that come with taking on tasks, creating systems and making sure things run smoothly.
Unfortunately, this also comes with its fair share of stress and anxiety, which can lead to burnout.
Finding the “sweet spot” between being too busy and bored can be hard to locate.
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or excessive workload.
Our bodies were designed to endure stress, but only in the short term.
We often talk about burnout in the workplace, but it can also affect individuals in various aspects of their lives. Some common symptoms of burnout include:
Physical Exhaustion: Feeling tired and drained most of the time, even after adequate rest. Burnout can lead to reduced energy levels and physical stamina.
Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling emotionally depleted, overwhelmed, and detached from your work or personal life. This can result in a sense of cynicism or a lack of motivation.
Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty concentrating, decreased productivity, and an inability to stay focused on tasks.
Increased Irritability: Feeling more irritable or having a reduced tolerance for others. This can lead to conflicts and strained relationships.
Sense of Ineffectiveness: Feeling like you're not making a difference or that your efforts are futile, which can be demoralizing.
Withdrawal from Responsibilities: Avoiding or procrastinating on tasks and responsibilities, both at work and in personal life.
Reduced Job Satisfaction: Feeling dissatisfied with your job or other aspects of life that were once fulfilling.
Physical Symptoms: Burnout can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and a weakened immune system.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to racing thoughts and stress.
Neglecting Personal Needs: Ignoring self-care activities, hobbies, and personal time. Burnout can make it challenging to prioritize one's well-being.
Feeling Disconnected: A feeling of separation from colleagues, friends, and family. This can lead to a sense of isolation.
Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative and cynical outlook on life and work, often distancing oneself from social interactions.
It is possible to reduce and recover from burnout.
Below are a few effective strategies for busy, overworked folks to reduce anxiety and burnout.
Prioritize Self-Care: One of the most important (and hardest) things that busy people can do to reduce anxiety and burnout is to prioritize self-care. This means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some ways to practice self-care include: exercise, healthy eating, restful sleep, and mindfulness/relaxation techniques.
Set Boundaries: Working long hours and prioritizing work over other aspects of your life leads to burnout and increases anxiety. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life can help reduce stress and anxiety. Boundaries can look like: Designating specific work hours, turning off notifications and taking regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Delegate & Outsource: Entrepreneurs often feel the need to do everything themselves, but this can lead to burnout and anxiety. Delegating tasks and outsourcing can help reduce stress and free up time for more important or enjoyable tasks. Some ways to delegate and outsource include: Hiring a virtual assistant, outsourcing tasks, or delegating tasks to employees.
Seek Support: A busy and successful life can be a lonely journey, but seeking support can help reduce anxiety and burnout. Some ways to seek support include: Joining a networking group, hiring a coach or mentor, or seeking therapy.
Reducing anxiety and burnout as a busy, overworked entrepreneur is possible and requires a combination of several factors to achieve. By taking steps to prioritize your well-being and manage your workload, you can reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health.
