Job burnout is a phenomenon that can characterize any job in any field. It affects both men and women alike and occurs in about 23% of full-time employees (of 7,500 employees who took part in a Gallup poll).
Unreasonable workloads and deadlines contribute to the development of burnout, as does poor workplace communication and poor management.
At Healthy Connections, we believe that our physical health can be significantly impacted by our stressors in life, such as job burnout. With our two key questions: “What is too much?” and “What is not enough?”, the issue of Job Burnout can have many powerful health implications, such as – “too much time at the office” and “not enough recreation” or, “too much pressure” and “not enough time or energy to plan, shop, cook and enjoy healthy food.”
Let’s take a look at job burnout and see what you might relate to.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BURNOUT:
You might be experiencing burnout if you have feelings of anger or frustration toward your job that lead to dissatisfaction and detachment. Constant exhaustion from your work as well as feelings of failure can also indicate job burnout.
NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF BURNOUT:
There are several negative effects of burnout, least of which are negative health effects. Burnout can lead to anxiety and depression as well as compromised relationships with friends and family. Furthermore, such increase in stress can predispose a person to diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and being prone to acute illness.
HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT:
–Practice the art of mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation helps alleviate stress while increasing positive emotions. People are also able to focus better while tuning out distractions. Practicing mindfulness means being aware of your emotions, thoughts, and reactions as they pertain to your external environment. Access a free, weekly meditation podcast here.
–Develop healthy work habits: Aim to take frequent breaks during your workday where you physically move away from your desk and computer. Taking 10 minutes every hour is a solid goal to aim for. Use an alarm or other notification on your phone to help keep it consistent.
–Get proper sleep and exercise: Prioritize at least 7 hours of sleep each night as well as getting regular physical activity at least 5 days per week.
–Streamline work processes: Where possible, reconfigure repetitive tasks to become automated. Newsletters and certain types of emails can be set to automation. Create quick-access files or otherwise find ways to make workflows less cumbersome or time-consuming.
–Nurture community with coworkers: Interacting with coworkers each day is not the same as connecting with them in an informal setting. Organize a weekly lunch gathering outside of the office, or commit to hiking together twice a month. Work retreats also serve a purpose here. The aim is to share a group experience while leaving work behind.
Adopting some or all of these tips will help increase feelings of connectedness and relaxation, increase productivity and focus, and enhance your energy level.