Do you suffer from burnout? or is it normal stress? What’s the difference? And is it just because you worked too much at your job?
These are good questions to ask yourself if you notice yourself getting angry and irritated more often than usual or your friend or spouse tells you honestly that they’ve been walking on eggshells around you. In either case, burnout is a real thing and no one on the planet can escape it. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme stress in crucial occupations is happening on a daily basis. Those of us who are able to work from home or remotely aren’t immune to burnout. According to Psychology Today, in the US alone, statistics report 51% of workers have felt burned out at least once.
- 77% of professionals report feeling work-related burnout
- 84% of Millennials report feeling work-related burnout
- 64% of workers report feeling stressed or frustrated at work at least once a week
- 44% say stress is related to a high-pressure environment
- 38% say stress is related to problems with management
- 30% say stress is related to unrealistic expectations
What’s the difference between burnout and stress? By definition, burnout is an extended period of stress that feels as though it cannot be relieved. It’s when you use up all your energy and you don’t feel like your situation is going to get better. Burnout is a state of mental, emotional, and most often physical exhaustion brought on by repeated or prolonged stress. If stress is tied to a specific goal or doesn’t last long, it’s not burnout. It is stress and you need to take care of yourself when that happens. If you feel your stress is never going to end and feel like you’re hitting a wall, depressed, more agitated, those are red flags, my friend. You are “not aligned” to your inner authority of who you are. You’re off track so to speak.
Sometimes you’re in burnout and you don’t even know it. – If you love your job and you’re working all the time and don’t take a break, your physical body will be affected. Even though stress can be a motivator to get projects done, your cortisol levels increase two to five times during times of stress. Higher cortisol levels can affect everything from cognitive function to memory and can increase A1C levels, blood pressure, and more. Over time, this stress can lead to higher instances of heart disease, depression, Type 2 diabetes, and more. – which can lead to BURNOUT.
And although it’s most often caused by problems at work, it can also appear in other areas of life, such as caretaking, romantic relationships, or parenting. Giving and giving of your emotional energy and not receiving is draining in all aspects. If you are the type to give 110%, just be aware of your boundaries so you’re not spreading yourself too thin.
And just to add, I know first-hand about burnout because it happened to me about 10 yrs. ago changing jobs, balancing work & family, and losing a parent. Everything happening all at once is overwhelming and affects you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Having awareness and listening to your body are two keys to relieving burnout, as well as reaching out for counseling support. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone; a friend, counselor, priest, whomever you feel comfortable with. You have to take care of yourself. If you don’t, who will?
If you’d like to learn more about burnout solutions or would like some BodyTalk coaching, feel free to contact me at Judi@JudiScalley.com