With summer officially upon us, many people are looking forward to having some time off with loved ones and just taking things down a notch with regards to some of their work obligations.
But I also know many people who have difficulty limiting their work commitments or cutting back on their work hours.
In fact, many look to use some of their vacation time to catch up on work-related tasks.
Being unable to rest and reset from work can lead to serious health problems. Additionally, feeling overworked day-in and day-out motivates people to quit their jobs.
Occupational Burnout
In a poll about a year ago, 95% of workers said they were ready to quit their jobs because they felt burnt out.
Burnout is a phenomenon that’s been around since the 1960s, researched extensively by both psychologists and sociologists. Researchers find that employees who feel overworked for an excessive period begin to develop physical and psychological ailments that put them at risk of severe diseases.
For example, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irritability, depression, and feelings of anxiousness are all symptoms of occupational burnout.
Although another medical or psychological condition could also cause many of the symptoms mentioned above (e.g., major depressive disorder), the opposite is also true: occupational burnout can cause a medical or psychological illness.
Everything has the Potential to Burn Out
Have you ever noticed that your cell phone starts to overheat if it’s used for an excessively long time? The solution is to put your phone down and let it rest for a bit.
Similarly, when a car’s engine overheats, the remedy is to pull over and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
The point is that when a mechanism works excessively without rest or receiving the proper fuel, it will cease and stop working altogether.
You are no different.
Applying this to your life
To help avoid burnout, you need to be reflective and self-aware of how you behave and feel before, during, and after finishing work.
Here are some questions to help you in this regard:
- How do you act when you’re stressed out because of work? What do others notice about you?
- Are you more irritable and short with other people when you come home after a day’s work? Or, do you tend to avoid people and withdraw altogether?
- What are your eating habits like when you are feeling overworked?
- What are your sleep habits like when you are overworked?
As you become more aware and better at identifying the signs of burnout, you can begin making the necessary changes to implement better work hours and work habits.
Summary
One of the things I find in all individuals who end up feeling overworked is that they have an incredible work ethic. They believe strongly in working hard and in doing a good job.
However, you also need to remember that if you’re planning to work for a long time, you must pace yourself. Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. In the same way, your job is not a race to the finish line. It’s a journey that can add meaning and purpose to your life.
Make choices that will allow you to enjoy that journey.
Richard
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