What is a burnout at work and how to fight it

What is burnout?

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Scientists believe that burnout - is not just a mental state, a disease that affects the entire body.

The term "burnout" was introduced in 1974 by the American psychiatrist Herbert Freydenberger. At the same time, he compared the state of "burnt" man with the burned-out house. The exterior may look safe and sound, and only if you go inside, it becomes apparent the degree of devastation.

Now psychologists distinguish three elements of burnout:

• exhaustion;
• cynical attitude towards work;
• a feeling of worthlessness.

Depletion leads to the fact that we are easily upset, poor sleep, often sick and had difficulty concentrating.

Cynical attitude toward its activities causes us a feeling of isolation from colleagues and a lack of motivation.

A sense of failure makes us doubt their own abilities, and worse to perform their duties.

Why there is emotional burnout?

We tend to think that burnout occurs simply due to the fact that we have too much work. In fact, it is due to the fact that our work schedule, responsibilities, deadlines, and other stress factors outweigh job satisfaction.

Researchers from the University of California at Berkeley isolated six factors related to emotional burnout of employees:

• workload;
• the control;
• remuneration;
• relations in the team;
• justice;
• values.

We are facing a burnout, when one of these aspects of the work (or more) does not meet our needs.

How to deal with burnout?

Psychologists advise to look for ways to reduce the workload on the job: to delegate some of the duties, often say "no" and write down what is causing your stress. In addition, the need to re-learn how to relax and enjoy life.

Do not forget to take care of themselves

It is easy to forget about yourself when no matter what forces are not present. Capable of stress we believe that taking care of yourself - the last thing you need to spend time. However, according to psychologists, just her and should not be neglected.

When you feel that close to burnout, especially important to eat well, drink plenty of water, exercise and get enough sleep.

Also remember, that helps you to relax and to highlight it more time.

Doing things you love

Burnout can occur if you do not have regular opportunities to devote time favorite business.

That dissatisfaction is not passed in the emotional burnout, think that for you is especially important, and turn it into my schedule.

At least a little every day doing things you love, and once a week give him more time. Then you will never have the feeling that you do not have time to do the most important thing.

Try something new

Go do something new, for example, hobby, Which had long dreamed of. This may seem counter-intuitive, because you already downloaded all the time, but in fact a new occupation will help to avoid burnout.

The main thing - to choose something that will rejuvenate and energize.

If you add to your schedule something new altogether impossible, start with taking care of yourself. Focus on sleep and nutrition on a daily basis and try at least a little sports. This will help avoid the consequences of burnout and return to duty.