Work-life balance is something we all strive to achieve, but if the scales are tipping in favor of long nights in the office and weekends away from loved ones, you may be on the path toward burnout.
The definition
According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. It isn’t always work related. You can burnout from being the primary caretaker at home or from a combination of life and work responsibilities. Whatever is making your plate feel too full can be a hindrance on your performance and mood if gone unaddressed.
The signs
Burnout happens when the brain and body feel overworked and overwhelmed. Signs that something may be wrong include:
- Alienation from work-related activities
- Negative feelings toward work-related activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of creativity or motivation
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Emotional exhaustion
- Physical exhaustion
The impact
Why should you care about burnout? When this state of exhaustion and unhappiness goes unaddressed, it can have serious consequences on your health, including:
- Excessive stress
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Sadness, anger, or irritability
- Alcohol or substance misuse
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weakened immune system
At Valley Oaks Health, we believe even during the darkest days, the right resources and support can help you #ShineOn. Don’t hide your light. Let us help you find ways to ease stress and boost self-compassion so you can lean into your best and brightest self. Follow us on Facebook as we provide tips and tricks for drawing boundaries and preventing burnout all month long.
