"Burnout is a part of life, and not the end"
Its better to burnout rather than fade away
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a condition that arises from continuing long periods of stress and overwork, resulting in emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It can be felt by having feelings of detachment, apathy, and cynicism toward work, along with reduced productivity and accomplishment.
Sometimes, we don't give ourselves enough credit for what we deserve and situate ourselves with self-doubt. Which eventually makes some people leave a particular thing or otherwise makes a person more addicted to achieving it. That's where burnout condition occurs. We became so passionate that we forgot the term "self-love" where we give ourselves that time and space to recover and enjoy the process.
My story of Burnout situation
I was preparing for the big test a teenager can attempt i.e. IIT-JEE. I started my preparation at 11th standard but was not able to score a good rank on my 12th standard which made me think of a drop year. I dropped a year and scored a decent rank provided got into a decent college but was not satisfied on the contrary I took the admission but rather than going onto my new life "the college life" I again started studying for that very entrance. Skipped all the fun activities in college just for this IIT dream. After a year appeared in the mains and got a high percentile but was not happy enough, at that time I didn't knew why I wasn't happy.
And that's what my burnout looked like I had what I wanted but was not happy. Then took some time for myself and sat for some time thinking about every reason and then I found out that I was not enjoying the process and was just looking for a destination that would make me happy but eventually it didn't. After that skipped the advance and started doing what I really enjoy i.e. learning Computers. Now, here I am enjoying studying Computer Science and developing meaningful things.
My experience thought me to look on the brighter side and not be disheartened by the ups and downs of life and look for opportunities.
Take burnout as an oppurtunity and not the end
Let's look at some of the effects, burnout causes.
Effects of Burnout
Physical symptoms: Burnout can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Emotional exhaustion: Burnout can lead to feelings of emotional exhaustion, including cynicism, detachment, and a sense of hopelessness.
Reduced productivity: Burnout can reduce an individual's ability to focus, concentrate and perform their job effectively, which can lead to reduced productivity.
Decreased motivation: Burnout can cause a lack of motivation, making it difficult for individuals to find enjoyment in their work.
Increased absenteeism: Burnout can lead to increased absenteeism from work due to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Relationship problems: Burnout can affect relationships, both at work and at home, as individuals may become irritable and withdrawn.
Mental health issues: Burnout can increase the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Decreased job satisfaction: Burnout can decrease job satisfaction, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and a desire to leave the job.
Now, see some tips and tricks to avoid the burnout that may help you.
How to Avoid Burnout
Take time off: If possible, take a break from work or other stressful responsibilities to allow yourself to rest and recharge.
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for emotional support and guidance.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to excessive workloads or responsibilities that contribute to your burnout.
Re-evaluate your priorities: Consider whether your current lifestyle and goals align with your values and needs, and make changes if necessary.
Seek professional help: If your burnout symptoms persist or interfere with your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Remember, recovery from burnout is a gradual process, and it may take time and effort to fully restore your well-being. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, burnout is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. While it may be tempting to push ourselves to the limit in pursuit of our goals, it is important to prioritize self-care and take steps to avoid burnout. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address it, we can protect our health and well-being and continue to pursue our goals in a sustainable and healthy way. Remember, it's better to take care of ourselves and avoid burnout, rather than burning out and fading away.
Thank you for taking some time to read my first blog. Feel free to offer any suggestions and recommendations.
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Written by
Ayush Singh
Ayush Singh
I am a Pre-final year student at Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology. A Passionate web developer by profession.