Burnout is a very real, and very serious thing.
The way we have been working over the last few months has been extremely different to what we’re used to. As a result of the global outbreak of COVID-19, the vast majority of office workers have been doing their jobs from home. For many, this was an easy enough transition, but for others, it hasn’t been as straightforward. RTE recently reported on a study that found that 44% of people currently working from home find they are working longer hours than they would in a normal working day.
This level of work is probably having a negative effect on your mental health, resulting in burnout.
Burnout is defined as a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterised by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability.
Sound familiar? Below are the signs of burnout, so you can identify it, and work through it.
Exhaustion
Burnout typically causes people to feel extremely tired, drained and generally unable to cope with things that require energy. You might find you’re struggling to get work done as a result of the exhaustion you feel.
Day-to-day work
Burnout mainly affects your everyday tasks at work. People suffering from burnout feel negative about tasks, big and small. That feeling of “I really can’t be bothered.” Plus, a lot of the time they also have difficulty concentrating and often lack creativity.
Headaches
There are actually some physical symptoms of burnout, one of the main ones being headaches. Chronic stress can lead to physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches or intestinal issues.
Alienation from work
People who feel burnt out view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working lives and the people they work with. They may also emotionally distance themselves and begin to feel numb about their work.
If you are suffering from the above symptoms, be sure to seek the necessary help. You’ll get through it.
