Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. If you are experiencing burnout, you may notice it is difficult to engage in activities you normally find meaningful. You may no longer care about the things that are important to you or experience an increasing sense of hopelessness.
Mental and emotional exhaustion. Reduced ability to be empathic and sympathetic. Anger or irritability. Increased use of alcohol and drugs.
"Instead, it's a trifecta of work-related symptoms where you feel a loss of enthusiasm – you don't feel excitement about your work, you feel exhausted by your work, and even more importantly, you feel that the work you're doing doesn't matter."
In general, there are three symptoms to be aware of: exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Exhaustion: This fatigue presents itself both mentally and physically. The energy you typically have is zapped by persistent exhaustion. Depersonalization: This is a feeling of indifference.
How Long Does Burnout Last? It takes an average time of three months to a year to recover from burnout. How long your burnout lasts will depend on your level of emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue, as well as if you experience any relapses or periods of stagnant recovery.
Technically, it shouldn't be difficult to tell the difference between burnout and being lazy. Generally, burnout refers to a reaction to prolonged or chronic job-related stress and is typically accompanied by a few defining characteristics, such as exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of reduced professional ability.
The problem with burnout, then, is that our bodily systems become deprioritised for too long, and as a result we can experience additional physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations and chest and muscle pain, among other things.
Burnout is when a person reaches a state of total mental, physical and emotional exhaustion and it has some similar signs and symptoms to a nervous breakdown. Your doctor can prescribe medicines for many mental health conditions, and refer you to other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
The main difference between stress and burnout is that stress is a response to a perceived threat. In contrast, burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. While some stress can be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to burnout.
Your brain on burnout
“One of the most striking (effects) is thinning of the gray matter of an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex,” Arnsten said. “It helps us to act appropriately. It gives us insight about ourselves and others. It gives us perspective.
Overthinking.
It is an indication of burnout and requires immediate attention.
Burnout can lower your extraversion, making you less outgoing and energetic in social situations³⁶. Burnout can lower your agreeableness, making you more cynical and hostile towards others³⁴⁶. Burnout can increase your neuroticism, making you more prone to stress and emotional distress²³⁴⁶.
Studies in mice show it's possible, and a 2018 study in people found cognitive behavioral therapy for burnout reduced the size of the amygdala and returned the prefrontal cortex to pre-stress levels," reports CNN. Other activities beside therapy can help your brain recover too.
Recovery from burnout is a slow journey; not a quick dash to some imaginary finish line. You need time and space to recuperate, so don't rush through this process. The recovery strategies that we've outlined below are all useful in different situations.
Despite the grip that burnout has over so many of us, recovery is possible. While there's no quick fix to burnout, there are many ways to alleviate stress levels and return to a healthier state of being.
It's hardly surprising – a lifetime of stress and overwork will do that to a person. Or rather less than a lifetime these days. How so? According to a new survey, the average worker is experiencing career burnout at the age of 32.
If you want to use the word “burn” in the past tense, you should always use “burned,” never “burnt.” However, in many dictionaries, both words appear as acceptable past tense forms of burn.
Schabram said, “employees who cannot leave and are not getting support can still help themselves.” Dr. Schabram's research suggests that small, deliberate acts of compassion toward yourself and others can help reduce feelings of burnout, whether it is short-term or chronic.
You may be suffering from a common but dangerous syndrome known as burnout. While many people will encounter burnout in their lifetime, it's important to know that it is treatable and you can absolutely recover from it.
If you're experiencing burnout, you may find it difficult to go about your day-to-day life. There are many ways to make a big impact with small lifestyle changes. Incorporating exercise is an effective way to reduce the effects of mental stress. All it takes is one 30-minute session of moderate physical activity.