The manifestation of chronic stress is multifaceted. It’s not easy to recognize it in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, headaches, a sense of constant tiredness, elevated blood sugar levels, unfruitful struggles with excess weight, elevated blood pressure figures and many other signs, and sometimes, even in diagnosed illnesses, such a common cause as chronic stress. There’s another specific form of chronic stress manifestation – burnout.
Probably, few people have not heard of this phenomenon or have not encountered it. The father of this term in its modern understanding is considered to be Herbert Freudenberger. In 1974, he introduced the concept of “emotional burnout”: “a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by professional life”. 1974 publication is not the fruit of many years of psychotherapist’s observation of his patients, but the description of his own state of mind. In the 1930s, still a child, Freudenberger fled from Germany. Having ended up in New York, he studied and worked at the factory simultaneously. After receiving a diploma in psychology, he started practicing as a psychotherapist. More than 10 hours a day, he devoted to his patients, and then he worked as a volunteer at clinics for socially vulnerable segments of the population at night. Such intense work for many years led him to an emotional state that he compared to a burned-down house.
At first, it was thought that burnout is the lot of professions related to working with people, as “payment for empathy”, but it turned out later that any professional activity can lead to burnout.
What happens to a person in a state of burnout? Apart from the fight or flight stress can provoke another one – freeze. The biological meaning of this reaction in a situation of acute stress is to minimize the possibility of attracting attention from a threatening object. But in conditions of chronic stress, which is related to professional activity, “freeze” is manifested in behavioral forms aimed at distancing from stress provoking factors. The person begins to shun his professional duties, falls into procrastination, becomes detached and/or cynical with his colleagues, clients. As a result, productivity drops, and disappointment in the chosen profession forms. The most harmless (as “the manifestation of chronic stress is multifaceted”) result of burnout state is resignation.
A reason for burnout is the unawareness of oneself, one’s weak and strong sides, and, as a result, the incorrectly chosen strategy of arranging one’s labor activities. We all are different, and even if working conditions are identical for everyone, a person’s response to these conditions is individual. Stressonika can help you get to know yourself and on this basis develop your optimal and rational work style. This is another function that was incorporated into this product during its development.
Getting to know yourself and changing yourself. This isn’t easy and can’t happen instantly. But this is extremely important for the proper arrangement of your living space. And someday you need to take the first step towards this.
Ways to Combat Burnout
Combating burnout includes a range of strategies and techniques. Here are some of them:
1. Setting Boundaries: Determine what tasks and responsibilities are part of your job, and learn to say “no” to those that are not your responsibility.
2. Work-Life Balance: Make time for relaxation, entertainment, hobbies and taking care of your health. This will help you recharge and reduce your stress levels.
3. Self-development: Continuous learning and development will help you stay motivated and confident in your abilities.
4. Psychological support: Psychotherapy or counseling from a professional can help you manage stress and find ways to cope with burnout.
5. Physical activity: Regular exercise helps reduce stress levels and improves overall well-being.
6. Healthy lifestyle: Eating well, getting enough sleep and avoiding bad habits are important for your health and well-being.
7. Meditation and Relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help you cope with stress and improve your concentration and mood.
8. Positive Thinking: Practicing positive thinking helps manage stress and improve overall life satisfaction.
9. Time Management: Effective planning and time management can help you manage your workload and reduce your stress levels.
10. Rest and Recovery: Regular rest and recovery are important to maintain energy and reduce stress levels.
In addition to these strategies, it is important to remember the importance of social support. Talking to friends, family, or coworkers can help you cope with stress and feel supported.
One of the causes of burnout is the wrong choice of strategy for organizing one’s labor activities due to not knowing oneself, one’s strengths, and weaknesses. Stressonika can help you know yourself and based on that to create an optimal working style.
Burnout is a serious condition that requires attention and care. If you feel like you are suffering from burnout, seek professional help. Remember that self-care is not selfish, but a necessity for maintaining your health and well-being.
