What is a Burn-out? A burn-out doesn’t happen in one day. You won’t wake up one morning, suddenly, feeling burned out. It is a state of chronic stress that leads to: Physical and emotional exhaustion, Cynicism and detachment, Feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. Signs of a Burn-out A burn-out isn’t, simply, stress. There are many warning signs, signaling the onset of a burn-out. Recognizing them is key. Here are some examples: Chronic fatigue. Most days you might feel a lack of energy. Insomnia. You might experience a lack of sleep. Loss of enjoyment. Your work and life might seem less enjoyable as it used to be. Detachment. You might feel detached from your surroundings. Lack of productivity. Making long hours but making no progress because of the stress. Increased irritability. This may interfere in relationships, even lead to divorce and the loss of your job. TIPS: Prevention Here are a few tips that may help prevent the onset of a burn-out: Make an inventory. Make a list of the reasons you feel stressed. Don’t rush it, it’s a process. Write down at least one thing that you can do to reduce the stress. Say “no” to more stress and take a rest once in a while. Turn your electronic devices off as much as possible. Socialize outside of work. This may offer fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Talk to your colleagues, manager or HR advisor. There may also be a dedicated set of colleagues that can be contacted (confidential advisers). Consider if it is an option for you.
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