What is burnout?
Burnout refers to a collection of symptoms. Burnout can happen if you’re constantly under lots of pressure from work. If you're experiencing burnout, you might feel:
- Exhausted, like you’re drained of energy
- Like you enjoy your job less, or don’t feel motivated to do it anymore
- Like you’re not doing your job as well as you used to
- Irritable
- Anxious
- Physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach aches
- Like you have trouble sleeping
Top tips for coping with burnout
Ignoring the signs of burnout and stress can leave you feeling exhausted. You might feel it physically, emotionally and mentally . But spotting the warning signs of burnout can help stop it in its tracks.
Take your annual leave
Time off is important, even if you just stay at home. It gives you a chance to rest and recharge.
Get enough sleep
Turn off your screens and do something to wind down before you go to bed at night. If your mental health is stopping you from getting enough sleep, check out our sleep tips.
Try to finish on time
Sometimes it feels easier to work late into the evening to try and get everything done. Once in a while this is OK, but try to make sure you finish work on time most days. If you're often working more hours than you're contracted to, this is a sign that your job is too much for one person. It's something you should speak to your manager about.
Find ways to relax
It can be hard to find time to relax. But if you can fit it into daily life, it can help if you feel stressed or worried. Mind has some great tips on relaxation which might work for you.
Schedule in time for fun
It may sound silly, but make sure you set aside specific time for having fun. Whether that's watching TV, doing hobbies, or seeing friends and family. Sometimes, having something non-work related to look forward to can help prevent burnout.
Ask for help
If you're really struggling with burnout, you might need some time off work to recover. Talk to your manager as soon as you can. Remember, your mental health and wellbeing is the most important thing.
Want to continue learning about mental health at work? Check out some more of our workplace resources here.
