By Gabe Garcia | August 8, 2022
Working is essential for a thriving society. But sometimes, there will be days where rest is necessary. In the U.S., 42% of women have said that they have been in a state of being unmotivated in the workplace. Are you one of the 42% that are feeling burnt out? Or would you be aware if you were burnt out?
Burnout is the state of being exhausted from long term tasks that require a lot of physical, mental, and/or emotional energy, especially when the task feels repetitive and/or not obtaining a satisfactory outcome. While burnout can be overcome with rest, it is more frequent for people who tend to have a sense of dissatisfaction with the expected outcome and is less likely for people who have lower expectations with their work.
Signs of burnout
Having a negative point of view of your work/position.
Not having the drive to go to work and wanting to leave once you clock in or enter the office.
Having low energy and interest in work.
Trouble sleeping.
Being absent from work often.
Feeling sad or depressed.
Being irritated by and pulling away from co-workers, clients, family members, etc.
The feeling that your work does not have any meaning or makes a difference.
Feeling that your work goes unrecognized
Blaming others because of your mistakes
Contemplating quitting work/changing roles.
How to prevent burnout
Take advantage of your free-time. Go somewhere new, spend time with family & friends, or take extended rests off work if possible.
Practicing self-care can help keep the mind on the right track without any buffers and keep you energized and motivated throughout your daily life. These include, but are not limited to:
Exercising or doing outdoor activities.
Carrying out small tasks as the week goes by so that tasks do not add up overtime.
Pursuing a hobby to discover new things.
Getting enough sleep (approx. 7-9 hours per night) will keep your energy and productivity up, being more motivated to carry out daily tasks.
Remembering why you liked your work in the first place & how you can positively impact others is also a good way when it comes to finding purpose in your work.
Conclusion
Burnout is not ideal and avoiding it by being aware of your energy is a good start. Trying to finish small tasks during the week and not pressuring yourself to do everything all at once or during the last minute can take a toll on your motivation to work or carry out daily tasks. More importantly, resting when you can to replenish your own energy will make you feel less tired to go through the day. Also, experiencing new things will help you discover new and meaningful things and stay away from routine. Because at the end of the day, repetitiveness can make someone feel unmotivated, and stress from burnout may make someone reconsider if their work is worth doing, which is why it is best not to overwork ourselves. Please let us know if this has been helpful to you or a friend. Feel free to share.