Preventing

1
Preventing OvercomingBurnout
Prepared by LifeWork Strategies www.lifeworkstrat
egies.com
2
Objectives

• Define burnout and identify causes.
• Identify burnout symptoms and behaviors.
• Assess if you are burned out.
• Learn strategies for coping with and preventing
  burnout.

3
What is Burnout?

• Depletion of mental, physical, and emotional
  energy without expected or real needs being met
  constant giving without receiving in return.

4
The Path of Unrelenting Stress

• Burnout is part of the stress experience. It is
  the end-stage of unrelenting stress.
• Burnout compromises physical and emotional
  wellbeing.
• When something has to giveits usually caring
  for ourselves that goes first. When we stop
  caring for ourselves, we put ourselves at risk
  for burnout.

5
The Descent Into Burnout
6
Symptoms of Burnout

• Physical
• Mental/Emotional
• Behavioral

7
Physical Symptoms

• Low energy/exhaustion
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Muscle tension
• Decrease/increase in appetite
• Headaches
• Decreased sexual drive
• Undefined feeling of illness

• Rapid pulse
• Heart palpitations
• Elevated blood pressure
• Digestive disorders
• Rashes/itching
• Frequent urination
• Shakiness and trembling
• Frequent colds

8
Mental Emotional

• Feeling of loss of control
• Loss of meaning
• Feeling inadequate/incompetent
• Forgetful
• Resistant to suggestions
• Feeling trapped
• Difficulty concentrating
• Boredom

• Feeling work doesnt fit in with personal values
• Loss of sense of humor
• In denial
• Detached
• Sad
• Fearful/anxious
• Frustrated
• Overwhelmed

9
Behavioral Symptoms

• Accident prone
• Increased use of sick days
• Sighing
• Irritable/angry
• Tearful
• Withdrawn
• Cynical

• Changes in relationships
• Unresponsive
• Working hard but not being as productive
• Increased use of medication, alcohol, and other
  drugs

10
Handout Are you at risk?
11
Sources of Burnout

• Personal
• Environmental
• Organizational

12
Personal Sources

• Lack of social support
• Values, attitudes
• Lack of coping mechanisms
• Disruptive or unhealthy relationships

• Health issues
• Boredom
• Financial problems
• Ineffective habits
• Caregiving without respite

13
Environmental Sources

• Noise, light, temperature, humidity
• Technostress/information overload
• Lack of proper equipment
• Job hazards/risks
• Ergonomic issues
• Overcrowding

14
Organizational Sources

• Too much to do/too little to do
• Role ambiguity
• Too much responsibility
• Lack of training
• Accountability
• Overqualified/under qualified

• Uncertain future
• Management style
• Company culture
• Constant change
• Few opportunities for growth, creativity, making
  contribution

15
Coping with Burnout

1. Identify and eliminate sources that drain energy.
2. Identify what you can change and what you cant.
3. Set goals that reflect your values and beliefs.

16
Coping with Burnout

• Set limits
• Delegate responsibility
• Take breaks
• Create new challenges that validate
  values and are stimulating
• Seek support

17
Avoiding Burnout

• Master your mind
• Eat for performance
• Work out to work better
• Break up stress and fatigue
• Learn to embrace problems
• Put humor to work
• Create energizing environment

18
Thank You!

• Your input is important. Please take a minute to
  evaluate this seminar.