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burnout illustration

So everyone has come to the realisation that we can burnout not only physically but also mentally, which in turn affects us physically as well. Workplace and school burnout can be crippling afflictions. It’s not uncommon to experience emotions such as tiredness and powerlessness, as well as a growing dissatisfaction with one’s current situation.

Naturally, this might have a negative influence on your work and school. But, more significantly, it could have a negative impact on your mental health. Let’s unpack the cycle of burnout and how to escape and recover from it.


Burnout cycle

The cycle is best identified by six stages, namely:

  • Excessive ambition, aka the Honeymoon stage
  • Working harder
  • Stress and Anxiety phases
  • Illness Denial: Increase in denial of the problem, therefore decreasing flexibility of thought or behaviour
  • Lack of Drive and Apathy
  • Burnout: Mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion

In most cases, the cycle continues after the burnout stage. This is mostly attributed to the compulsion to prove oneself, which is highly present during or after burnout. To help understand the cycle better, the image below goes into greater detail about it.

Burnout cycle
Photo: WildHub

How to recover and escape the cycle

Rule #1: Non-negotiable self-care

When you are working in a sector you are deeply passionate about, it might be fulfilling. But in the long run, your enthusiasm won’t be enough to keep you from becoming burned out. So, make sure you invest in yourself. Take care of yourself as usual, but make sure the following are non-negotiable:

  • Enjoy a balanced meal away from your desk.
  • Engage in enjoyable activities.
  • Spend some time relaxing and doing nothing, whatever that may appear to you, e.g., being outside.
  • Spend adequate time on your physical appearance. Remember, you feel better when you look better.

Rule #2: Relational communication

Burnout  Self care
Photo: Medium

A major side effect of burnout is faltering relationships. To prevent this from happening, call or send a message to someone you care about. However, if your burnout has affected those that you live with, make sure you sit with them, apologise, and explain your situation to them. Hopefully, they will understand and give you time to work through things.

Rule #3: Physical activity

Regular exercise may considerably boost your mood. Just 15 minutes a day spent outside is sufficient. Although it may seem like a lot, especially for those of us who are “allergic to exercise”, the truth is that the chemicals our brain releases during exercise can really boost our mood!

Burnout exercise

Rule #4: Rest

Sleep is extremely important! Good sleep equals good healing. If you are not sleeping well, that means your body is not healing, so try to get 6–8 hours of sleep every night.


Finally, if you’ve identified a behavioural pattern that is a risk factor for burnout, address it first and start changing that behaviour. If you think you may already be suffering from burnout or if you think your mood is affecting your ability to do your daily routines, especially the things you normally enjoy, it’s may do you some good to talk to a mental health professional.

Ngumeritiza Katjimune

Hi my name is Ngumeritiza. I am a contributor at Afterbreak Magazine, I've been writing for the past two years and I have honestly fallen in-love with being able express my views on so many different topics and issues. Although I'm currently pursuing a career in Physiotherapy at the University of Namibia, I believe that everyone has a creative part within themselves and writing helps me explore my creativeness.

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About Afterbreak Magazine

Afterbreak Magazine is a Namibian digital youth magazine that presently leads in educating, empowering and entertaining young Namibian people, with the aim of building a community of growth, a sense of responsibility and a shared identity.

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About Afterbreak Magazine

Afterbreak Magazine is a Namibian digital youth magazine that presently leads in educating, empowering and entertaining young Namibian people, with the aim of building a community of growth, a sense of responsibility and a shared identity.

Advertise with us on Instagram!

Popular Posts

Calendar

July 2023
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031