Theme
Burnout
(Available with many other themes in the Thinkladder App).
Burnout is one of those symptoms of modern society that can creep up on us. We can be busy carrying on, living our lives, but slowly become aware that something is wrong. This can look like an increasing cynicism, apathy, irritability, disillusionment, disconnection from self or others, overwhelm, and/or symptoms of bodily discomfort.
It’s easy to brush these things aside and ignore them. Yet, if we don’t start addressing them sooner rather than later, they will eventually stop us in our tracks and force us to take notice. One of ways that we can begin to attend to our situation is by focusing on our inner world. Reflection can help us notice the limiting beliefs that are fuelling behaviours which lead to burnout. These might be something like, ‘Enjoying myself or having fun is okay, but only after I finish all my work,’ or ‘I’ve managed to work long hours for years, so there’s no point stopping now’. Once we’ve identified these beliefs, we can work on challenging and replacing them. We can find ways of thinking that better support our well-being and self-care.
If you’re struggling at some point on the path of burnout, then check out the ‘Burnout’ theme in the Thinkladder app today, and start making changes for the better.
Insights from the ‘Burnout’ Theme
Relaxing only feels irresponsible because stress feels productive; when I understand that productivity and peace work beautifully together, I am free to discover a new way of dealing with life’s challenges.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Self-Care
Some tips for Burnout
Tips for if you are concerned about burnout:
Recognise the Signs: If you are concerned about possible burnout, consult a health professional. Here are a few of the symptoms which could indicate that you may be approaching burnout:
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Cynicism and detachment
- Feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment
- Reduced performance
- Physical health problems
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns
- Changes to sleep patterns or insomnia
- Using substances to cope (e.g. alcohol, drugs, high levels of caffeine)
Take Time Off: If possible, take a break from work or your responsibilities to recharge your batteries.
Prioritise and Delegate: Assess your to-do list for tasks that can be prioritised, postponed, or delegated to others.
Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals and create a structured plan to reach them without overloading yourself.
Take Short Breaks: Use short, regular breaks throughout the day to step away from your desk or work environment to relax.
Social Support: Engage with friends and family for emotional support. Also, seeking out a support group or network can be beneficial.
Set Boundaries: Limit your work hours, learn to say no, and make sure to disconnect from work during off-hours. Make a concerted effort to work regular hours and resist the urge to stay late or work on weekends. Ensure that you have a clear boundary between work and personal life.
Evaluate Your Job: If your job is a significant source of stress, consider discussing your role with your employer, or explore whether it might be time for a career change.
Don’t forget the basics
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: In stressful times, looking after your physical health helps to protect your well-being. Prioritise a regular sleep schedule, healthy eating, and regular exercise. If you are dealing with burnout, gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga are often good choices to avoid putting extra stress on your body.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress. Develop a routine that includes stress-reduction strategies tailored to your needs and schedule.
Self-Care: Maintain a life outside of work by engaging in hobbies and interests that nourish your soul. Practise gratitude and actively spend time doing things that bring you joy.
Listen to your body and mind and take action before the symptoms become too severe. Addressing burnout often requires making changes in your lifestyle to take care of your health. The Thinkladder app can help you identify areas of your thinking that may be affecting how you deal with stress, work, and burnout. If you have persisting feelings of burnout, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a professional.
