What is Burnout? Explained by Aura

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give. The negative effects of burnout spill over into every area of life—including your home, work, and social life. Burnout can also cause long-term changes to your body that make you vulnerable to illnesses like colds and flu.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a gradual process. It doesn't happen overnight, but it can creep up on you. The signs and symptoms are subtle at first, but become worse as time goes on. Think of the early symptoms as red flags that something is wrong that needs to be addressed. If you pay attention and actively reduce your stress, you can prevent a major breakdown. If you ignore them, you'll eventually burn out.

While burnout isn’t a diagnosable psychological disorder, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Here at Aura, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and resources to understand and combat this pervasive issue.

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

Feeling tired and drained most of the time, frequent headaches or muscle pain, change in appetite or sleep habits are some of the physical signs and symptoms of burnout.

It's important to note that these physical symptoms are often the result of emotional stress. They are not necessarily indicative of a physical illness or disorder. However, they are a sign that your body and mind are under extreme stress and need attention.

Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

Loss of motivation, increasing cynicism or negativity at work, feeling of dissatisfaction and failure are some of the emotional signs and symptoms of burnout.

These emotional signs can often lead to detachment, feeling alone in the world, and experiencing a sense of doom or dread. It's important to recognize these signs and take steps to manage your stress levels before they lead to burnout.

Causes of Burnout

Burnout often stems from your job. But anyone who feels overworked and undervalued is at risk for burnout—from the hardworking office worker who hasn’t had a vacation or a raise in two years, to the frazzled stay-at-home mom struggling with the heavy responsibility of taking care of three kids, cooking, housework, and volunteering at the school.

But burnout is not caused solely by stressful work or too many responsibilities. Other factors contribute to burnout, including your lifestyle and personality traits. In fact, what you do in your downtime and how you look at the world can play just as big of a role in causing overwhelming stress as work or home demands.

Work-Related Causes of Burnout

Feeling like you have little or no control over your work, lack of recognition or reward for good work, unclear or overly demanding job expectations are some of the work-related causes of burnout.

Working in a chaotic or high-pressure environment can also contribute to burnout. The feeling of constantly being on, never having a moment to relax or decompress, can lead to chronic stress and, eventually, burnout.

Lifestyle Causes of Burnout

Working too much, without enough time for relaxing and socializing, being expected to be too many things to too many people, not getting enough sleep or eating a poor diet can all contribute to burnout.

These lifestyle factors can exacerbate the stress you feel at work, making it more difficult to maintain your physical and emotional health. Over time, this chronic, unmanaged stress can lead to burnout.

Preventing Burnout

The key to preventing burnout is to manage stress. This can be done through a combination of social support, self-care, and stress management techniques. It's also important to recognize the signs of burnout and take action to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.

Remember, everyone's experience with burnout is different. What works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to find what works for you and to implement it into your daily routine.

Self-Care Techniques for Burnout

Self-care techniques can include activities like regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and taking time each day to relax and recharge.

It's also important to make time for activities that you enjoy. This could be reading a book, going for a walk, spending time with friends, or any other activity that makes you feel happy and relaxed.

Stress Management Techniques for Burnout

Stress management techniques can include activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation techniques.

It's also helpful to develop a strong support system. This can include friends, family, and professional support such as therapists or counselors. Having people you can talk to and rely on can make a big difference in managing stress and preventing burnout.

Recovering from Burnout

If you're already experiencing burnout, it's important to take steps to recover. This can include seeking support from others, taking time off if possible, and implementing self-care and stress management techniques into your daily routine.

Remember, recovery takes time. Don't rush the process. Be patient with yourself and take the necessary steps to ensure you're taking care of your physical and emotional health.

Seeking Professional Help for Burnout

If you're feeling burned out and you're unable to manage your stress, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This can include a therapist or counselor who can provide you with tools and techniques to manage stress and recover from burnout.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to go through this alone. There are professionals who are trained to help you through this process and can provide you with the support you need.

Implementing Lifestyle Changes for Burnout Recovery

Recovering from burnout often requires lifestyle changes. This can include setting boundaries to ensure you're not taking on too much, taking time each day to relax and recharge, and implementing a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Remember, these changes don't have to be drastic. Even small changes can make a big difference in your stress levels and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Burnout is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional health. But by understanding the signs and symptoms, knowing the causes, and implementing strategies to manage stress and practice self-care, you can prevent and recover from burnout.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Whether it's from a friend, family member, or professional, support is crucial in managing stress and preventing burnout. You're not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this process.