Burnout

There has never been greater pressure on our lives in terms of performance and, even if we are not performance-driven, we can be directed towards goals that are not totally what we want, or who we are. We might believe that the goals that we are aiming toward are the best or the only way forward. Our experiences are unique and we inherit values and beliefs from our upbringing and education.

A burnout experience can be a slow creep brought on by a variety of different pressures that can result in a feeling of fatigue lack of motivation and lethargy. The result is mental and emotional physical exhaustion.

What are the signs of burnout?

You may find that concentration levels are affected, and you may feel that you are no longer interested in the things that previously motivated you. It's an experience that can cause a sense of hopelessness and loss of self-esteem. 

Signs and symptoms can vary and may include more frequent illness, changes in sleep and appetite, headaches stomach, and intestinal difficulties.

Emotional responses can be a greater degree of cynicism, helplessness sense of doubt decreased satisfaction, to feelings of being alone and detached, and a loss of motivation.

What factors can contribute to burnout?

There are many factors that can contribute to burnout, including: 

• little or no control over work
• lack of recognition
• demanding expectations
• monotonous unchallenging work
• chaotic or high-pressured environments

Our personal recognition of beliefs and values is developed over time. The way that we see, hear and experience life from a young age, are elements that develop our perspective values, beliefs, our sense of security. 

We may have an initial sense of feeling stuck a feeling of having limited options and alternatives. 

As individuals, we all have the potential for burnout. Stress is a part of our lives it is a matter of how we choose to handle it. The indicators can become a trigger for great personal opportunity, personal change, and learning.

Some examples of common triggers are:

• Perfectionistic tendencies. 
• Pessimistic views of yourself and the world, low self-esteem, self-worth, and self-image.
• A need to be in control that creates a need to have hold of all aspects of life, circumstances, and outcomes. 
• High achieving self-expectations: This can be an internal driver that is created by the way a child interprets their environment. This interpretation can be a result of introjected values and beliefs developed through caregivers’ education and others.

How to prevent burnout

Identify the cause

Self-worth, where do we consider our value to be?

Introjected beliefs can be what determines what we value and can become our measurement of what our successful outcome looks like. These same drivers can also become the destabilising elements that result in burnout. 

A measurable outcome is a positive element that enables us to recognise that we are moving forward. However, when this is driven by an introjected outdated value, and part of our self-worth, it can bring a sense of dissatisfaction. An unstable driver can be the same driver that has achieved significant success. 

Some examples of messages that can be both positive and negative motivators:

• You are............ You are brilliant at............
• You will never be like............ You are not............
• You have not got what it takes to be............
• You could not do that because............of............
• You are only capable if............

All of the above can be drivers that can develop a high-achieving mentality. A set of values beliefs, personal perspectives, and self-esteem is the evidence of a successful person. Those same values and beliefs can trigger a thought bubbling of dissatisfaction. At this stage, the reaction can be to continue to do what I have always done, and everything will work out. Another reaction could be to distract from the feeling of dis-ease by doing more work. By creating unrealistic expectations of workload or other alternative distractions.

Bringing balance

Learning about how we can identify the signs of burnout can lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves and how values and beliefs have developed over time. When we work through our personal values drivers, we are able to realise and change our lives and create a greater balance that feels more comfortable bringing greater happiness and sense of self-worth that feels more stable and secure.
 
By identifying the source of our motivations from early inner messages, we can recognise our triggers. Recognition of our own personal triggers enables us to visualise our options.

By learning and recognising that our balance depends upon a mix of self-care, social life family friends, and hobbies we can then consider adjusting from a point of greater understanding.

When we create our own drivers, we are working within our self-experiences and inner understanding, our innate wisdom. We know where our boundaries are mentally emotionally and physically. We are equipped with the ability to manage our own energy more effectively.

How can coaching help?

Taking time to plan your day with self-care in mind. Accept that our body has a reason for alerting us, and this is NOT because we are failing. 

Coaching works individually with the issues that each client presents, meeting the client in their circumstances where they are. Working within the individual experience and exploring relational values with self and others, enables an increased awareness towards self-discovery that gives lifelong personal value.

By reframing the way, we value ourselves our work, home, social life, and friends we can bring greater work-life satisfaction to all life experiences. Ultimately developing a realistic balance within all aspects of life experiences that brings new energy and learning. Lifelong tools are real because they are initiated by personal learning in the coaching relationship.