The world around us is growing increasingly competitive, leading to stress and anxiety as one keeps grappling with uncertainties all around. Long, and sustained pursuits at work, chasing business or career growth, profitability, scale and size, or financial security slowly and subtly begin impacting the overall well being for individuals.
Initially, the symptoms are bleak and most overcome or ignore them, till they gain insurmountable strength. Being aware and proactive can help save the long slide. Here are a few tell tale signs of what can be called a burnout;
1. Going to work does not excite anymore; it’s a daily ritual and a steep climb. Mondays keep you terrified. It may be time to seek excitement with new roles within the organisation or even a switch.
2. Actions at work place begin to get driven by routine responses than fun. Neutrality, indifference towards work, people, or tasks. Just another day! Time to ask for a new project with your HR.
3. Loss of confidence and self image; Dissatisfaction with self, on ability, potential, negative self portrayal with self projected unreal reference points and stereotypes. Identifying and using your unique skills and abilities, setting realistic goals and expectations could help you sail better.
4. Low sense of achievement at work place, and ridiculing/underplaying good work by others. Exchange appreciation, greetings and compliments. Works two way.
5. Professional and personal spheres begin to affect each other. Attributing personal worries on work and vice versa frequently. Compartmentalize and live your roles.
6. Physical health indicators like insomnia, elevated glucose or blood pressure levels, indigestion, stress eating and gaining weight etc.. Exercise, meditate, plan nutrition as required, know your physical and mental self, have relationship with it and communicate!
7. Brooding, without acting on reference frames; Remaining dissatisfied, but not clarifying through exchange of communication. Getting opinionated within and cocooning. Yet not looking at alternative motivators. Resolving conflicts quickly, asserting your position can do wonders.
8. Loss of communication or sudden outbursts; Limiting communication to essential but not sufficient levels. Fluctuating responses like anger, emotional outburst or reactions to usual stimuli at work place. Opening communication channels and make good of every opportunity to share and invite views goes a long way.
9. Performance begins to drop; similar to a heated engine, the efficiency begins to come down despite more physical and mental burn. Ask for feedback and appraisal. Know expectations and parameters of measurement for a future appraisal.
10. Insensitivity towards self; one most common sign most people nearing burnout exhibit. Inflicting pain and distress on self, not enjoying breaks, workaholic tendencies characterize such phase. Its a myth that hours at desk build efficiency. Relax, recharge. Know the aspirations behind chasing a career. Losing them will cause dissonance.
It is extremely important to take cognizance of these symptoms and get professional assistance to manage and correct them well in time for a better physical and emotional health and wellness.
These are times when one needs to stop, and have a complete rethink on the goals, path and destinations before it gets too late. After all, life is a journey to be enjoyed at every milestone, than a blind dash towards irrelevant goals. Visit www.alokpurohit.com for more.