Burning Burnout

Burnout is the word we use to describe extreme exhaustion. Not just physically but also mentally. This is how our body and brain reacts to the long-drawn-out contact with stress. Stress, as we all know may be caused by a number of factors. But mostly, it is caused by too much attention to work. Too much overtime, too much project, too much problems and not enough persons to do the job are basically the whole scoop, give or take a few.

When we use the word “burnout”, it signifies rock bottom. This is not the case. Fortunately, this extreme exhaustion can be seen approaching through different stages. Immediately approaching the problem on any stage is possible. In fact, the sooner is it addressed the better.

First, there would be the exhaustion phase wherein everything isn’t worth doing anymore. This is not just about the physical but also the mental part. You don’t feel like moving and thinking.

Then, there would be the I-hate-everyone phase. It’s when the exhaustion is joined by irritability. You aren’t just lazy, you actually feel like flinging all those files out the window. Tempers are easily ignited and tolerance for any kind of noise – laughter or gossip – has greatly decreased.

When these happen, results could be one of two things. Continue your job and hand out bad work or on and off absenteeism.

The good news is, the antidote isn’t really that complicated. To put it bluntly: Take a break. Not necessarily a vacation to faraway places but just a plain old vacation – from work. Or if you can’t afford a vacation just yet, try to fill your free time with things you like to do. Relax. Get a hobby. Read a book. Treat yourself to the spa. Burnout isn’t really a tough battle to fight once you learn to balance work and play.