22 august 2024 : Burnout happens when we are exposed to stress for a prolonged period of time. We feel frustrated, demotivated and unwilling to get back to the work that gave us joy earlier. Burnout in our workplace can also show up in our personal lives.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Alisha Lalljee, psychologist, special educator, and psychotherapist, said, “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused due to prolonged or repeated stress. Though it’s most often caused by problems at work, it can also appear in other areas of life, such as parenting, caretaking, or even romantic relationships.” The psychologist further noted five ways by which the body can show burnout.
5 ways by which the body can show burnout
Chronic fatigue:
You feel persistently tired and drained, even after getting adequate sleep. Daily activities seem overwhelmingly exhausting, and you struggle to stay alert or energetic. You may have constant headaches along with pain or tightness in the neck, shoulders, or back.
You have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested. Your sleep patterns are disrupted, leaving you feeling more tired than usual.
Either a loss of appetite or overeating can occur. Some people eat more as a coping mechanism, while others might find they have no interest in food. Stress can lead to stomach problems such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain.
Increased susceptibility to colds, infections, or other illnesses can be a sign of burnout. Your immune system might be weakened due to prolonged stress and exhaustion.
Frequent illness:
The tendency to evade work responsibilities or social engagements, coupled with self-isolation, is frequently observed in individuals experiencing burnout. Procrastination becomes prevalent, as individuals may continually defer tasks, resulting in challenges in adhering to deadlines. This behavior can culminate in a transient period characterized by memory lapses, during which individuals may find it difficult to recall specific details or fulfill tasks effectively.