Burnout

Have you ever been so emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted from your work? You feel despondent, helpless, and overall, a lack of motivation, and it feels like it will never come to an end? Well, it's probably burnout. When I think of burnout, I can't help but remember that hopelessness and debilitating fear that came during the pandemic. Because I worked in a hospital, at the time. Especially as a health care worker, whilst the world saw you as a hero, the enduring stress and anxiety...well it sucked.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies burnout, "as an occupational phenomenon. It is not classified as a medical condition." Further to this, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) characterizes burnout as, "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." The ICD-11 goes on to describe burnout in three ways:

1) Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.

2) Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job.

3) A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.

Let's look at some stats. Mental Health Research Canada states that 35% of working Canadians are burned out. Similarly, in South Africa, according to insights from Deloitte 40% of South African women and 46% of women globally have burnout.

Burnout is fast being recognized as an employer's problem and not the employee. Research shows that employees engaging in a workplace wellness program report higher rates of positive health behaviors compared to those who do not. So yes, as much as the employer should strive to create a healthy workplace, this isn't everyone's reality. It's also not realistic for everyone to just change jobs to an employer with a wellness program or positive work environment. A stay- at- home mom (this is a job btw) cannot change employer at all! We can certainly motivate for employee wellness programs, but this may not be in effect immediately.

What do we do? Firstly, lets pause and become aware of our bodies. Be aware of your mind. Do you have the characteristics of burnout? Identify what it is that keeps the vicious cycle alive. It could be unrealistic workloads. Toxic people (don't even get me started). Long hours or poor work-life balance. When you leave this to pile it can have severe consequences on your health. Hit pause and be mindful. Take small breaks when you can and take a walk, in nature if possible. Talk, we are human and need human connectivity, so talk to people you trust. Engage with your supervisor on compromise. Remember burnout is not a badge of honor to wear with pride because it proves how committed you are. Your health is more important. Sleep, exercise and eat healthy of course and unleash your creative side.

If you deal with toxic people remember you are only in control of YOUR response. So, limit your engagement with negativity and be aware of your feelings around toxic individuals. Keep your responses light and to the point. Reminder: every action has an equal and opposite reaction! Listen actively, so you are responding to the professional content and not the noise around it like their attitude, tone or perhaps indirect insults. Keep the focus on your energy staying light. When you focus on you and remember you are the captain of your happiness, they become insignificant. It's work, they are part of work, leave it at work.

So...

What makes you happy?

What do you enjoy doing?

What are you passionate about?

This is a reminder to take time for yourself, to prevent burnout. Do something small that makes you happy every day and be committed to that!