Keeping workplace stress and burnout at bay

IN the pursuit of excellence at work, it can often feel like you’re walking a tightrope between success and burnout.

- TIFFANY UMAN

Much more than momentary relaxation, self-care involves nourishing your mind, body and soul on an ongoing basis. I Freepik

Whether it’s from the constant pressure to perform, long hours at work or the stress of navigating a job search without the results you want, burnout is now very much a feature of the modern workplace. And the current job market is only exacerbating these challenges, with many experiencing heightened stress and uncertainty. In addition, countless company restructurings are leading to understaffed teams with overwhelming workloads.

While it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that working harder and longer is the solution, this only fuels burnout further.

One of the most significant pain points is the stigma surrounding burnout, with many fearing it might be perceived as a sign of weakness or lack of dedication. However, understanding that burnout is a common and manageable issue is the first step towards recovery and prevention.

Contributing missteps

Common mistakes that can contribute to burnout include:

Many dismiss the early symptoms of burnout like chronic fatigue, irritability and lack of motivation. Ignoring these warning signs allows the burnout to worsen, making recovery more challenging.

Taking on more than your capacity allows can lead to overwhelming workloads and the feeling of constantly being stretched too thin.

Neglecting things like regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep and relaxation can deplete your physical and mental energy reserves; making you less resilient to stress and more prone to burnout.