Several young adults in their twenties are experiencing a lack of energy, and they are suffering from burnout, a state of chronic physical, mental, and psychological exhaustion caused by long-term involvement with stress. It is more than just being tired. The fatigue goes significantly deeper and affects all aspects of life.
What is Burnout?
A study by Medanta says, “Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed—it has a specific clinical definition and identifiable causes that distinguish it from everyday work pressure. As put forward by the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is recognized as an "occupational phenomenon." It results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Notably, it is not classified as a medical condition but rather as a syndrome affecting workplace performance and well-being.”
Early symptoms
Many people are not aware of the issues and mistakes that lead to exhaustion; here are six early signs to pay attention to.
According to Medanta,” Burnout develops gradually rather than suddenly, making early detection crucial for prevention. Initially, the signs & symptoms may be subtle, with many individuals recognizing negative changes in their mental and physical functioning without understanding the connection to their depleting resources of energy and well-being.”
Chronic physical fatigue
Burnout frequently begins with chronic fatigue that does not resolve with rest. Your body shows stress through reduced immunity, stomach problems, and frequent headaches, which makes you more likely to get sick frequently.
Disrupted sleep and appetite
Sleep patterns can also become irregular, which can result in insomnia, restless nights, or you can have exhausted morning. Appetite can also change, resulting in overeating or a loss of interest in food, as well as other strange physical symptoms.
Emotional detachment and negativity
Burnout leads to skepticism, hostility, and impatience. You may begin to feel disconnected from your job, coworkers, and even your sense of purpose, replacing motivation with indifference.
Declining self-worth and confidence
A most significant problem of burnout is that you start to feel worthless and may also experience self-doubt and helplessness. Confidence starts to decline, and anxiety about work performance can grow, though this can temporarily ease when you’re away from work.
Reduced productivity and focus
It can cause trouble concentrating, your actions can be delayed, and you may perform poorly. Even simple tasks might become stressful, limiting your ability to make decisions or stay organized.
Unhealthy coping and withdrawal
It may lead you to neglect work duties, skip meetings, or rely on food, alcohol, or drugs to cope. Social isolation and emotional outbursts over little situations become common in this stage.
How to get relief from it?
Though it can take a long time but following these steps can make you feel better gradually.
Prioritize rest - Sleeping for 7-8 hours a day can help to recover from this situation. An ample amount of rest can be fruitful in such cases.
Set digital boundaries - Limit screen time, and it will help to reduce mental fatigue and reclaim focus.
Maintain physical health - Exercising, eating well, and staying hydrated can boost positivity in you, which can help your body to maintain its fatigue.
Build supportive relationships - Try to build connections from the heart, which will provide emotional strength and balance.
Seek help early - If you are feeling mentally and physically exhausted daily, then you should consult with a doctor.
Redefine success - Change the definition of success in your mind and try to do at least one productive task in a day. Hobbies such as gardening could be a good option.
According to Medanta, Stress and burnout are two closely related but distinct disorders. Stress is characterized by overactive emotions and excessive engagement, whereas burnout is characterized by emotional numbness and disengagement. With stress, you may experience anxiety or difficulty sleeping, but you will remain determined to face problems. Burnout, on the other hand, is defined by feelings of emotional exhaustion, disconnection from work or life, and a belief that your efforts are in fruitless. Stress is a short-term response to pressure, but burnout is the result of prolonged, mismanaged stress over time.
