No matter how many life changes you’ve had to adapt to this year, one thing remains the same: work needs to get done. So how do you get your job done while also dealing with everything 2020 has brought?
What is Burnout?
According to Psychology Today, “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.” There’s no doubt this has been a stressful year full of uncomfortable adjustments and plenty of uncertainty. Other signs of burnout include feelings of irritability, apathy, emptiness, and lethargy. When stress feels never-ending, our brains tend to have a circuit-breaker response and shut down. It can then become incredibly frustrating to complete expected tasks while unfocussed, tired, and angry.
Take A Break
Oftentimes the workday can seem like one continuous state, but it’s important to take proper breaks. If you’re not in a workplace that has clear breaktimes, it’s a great idea to make them for yourself. To avoid decision fatigue, make a schedule and stick to it, instead of changing it up every day. That way, you can establish a pattern of behavior that gets easier to follow every day. Make sure you take a real break too! Remove yourself from your workstation if possible and do something you enjoy, such as making tea, doing a crossword, or jamming to your work-from-home playlist.
The Old, But Good Advice
It can be hard, especially when stressed and tired, but getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are proven to mitigate stress. It can be as simple as a walk after work, or some relaxing yoga in a designated spot in your home. Try to aim for something short and simple that will fit into your daily routine. When eating, try to pick foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Foods such as flaxseed oil, walnuts, and fish act as natural antidepressants.
Talk About It
During times of great stress, it’s important to reach out to those you trust. Your friends and family can validate your feelings and provide much-needed support when things are tough. Having regular “check ins” with loved ones is a great way to keep communication open and help one another. Seeing a therapist is also a great option to speak freely about what is causing your stress and get expert advice. Lastly, let coworkers know that your plate is full right now and it may take some time before you can accept a new project or help someone with theirs. Chances are they feel the same way!
SOURCES
By Aubrey Dion
Aubrey Dion is proud to be back working for the family business she grew up in. Over the years, she has performed a wide variety of jobs in both the office and factory, becoming a true "jack of all trades." Aubrey credits her quick learning ability to her strong theatre background, where memorization and attention to detail are vital. Working in the marketing department allows her to stay creative and work on exciting new projects for the company.