Burnout – It is Reversible and Preventable
By Laura Crooks

Burnout and overwhelm suck the joy out of work and life.

Do you…

• feel exhausted or drained?
  
• feel like you don’t have enough time?                                                 
  
• dread going to work?
  
• “stuff” your emotions or react inappropriately?
  
• question whether you are making a difference? 

The more yes answers you have the more likely you are experiencing burnout.

Burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization as an official workplace syndrome.

Common in many professional work settings, and especially within healthcare, burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion with a diminished sense of accomplishment. It can sneak up on you. Job stress and burnout occur when you feel you have too many demands, too little control and your resources have been depleted. Self-care is essential to replenishing and building resilience.

Your physical, mental and emotional health are affected, as are the people around you, your productivity, your career, your energy, mood and enthusiasm. Common responses to stress and burnout include insomnia, irritability, cynicism, anger, anxiety, GI disturbances, errors, headaches and minimal sense of accomplishment.

Burnout has both personal and organizational factors. The culture, resources and 24/7 demands of the workplace need to shift but building your personal resources and resilience are important, too.

These behaviors help reduce burnout and stress:

• practicing self-care (proactively taking care of your body, mind and spirit)
  
• re-prioritizing activities
  
• shifting your mindset and thinking
  
• creating work-life balance
  
• getting exercise                    
  
• enjoying positive social connections
  
• living with joy
  
• living your purpose

Burnout and stress both affect your productivity, mood, physical health and personal relationships.

• Burnout is both preventable and reversible.
  
• Stress and overwhelm can be managed.
  
• Building your resilience keeps you replenished, lessens your stress and reduces your risk of burnout.
  Your personal and professional lives can be harmonious.
• Life can be fulfilling and fun.

Laura Crooks, RN, is a wellness coach and speaker who helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. She is the author of Wellness Made Simple. For more information, visit her website www.YouBloomWellness.com.

Return to Top

Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. All rights reserved.