Burnout - how to recognise the signs and what to do about it.
It’s easy to forget that oral health is just one part of our overall health and wellbeing. As healthcare professionals, we are keen to help you live your best life, so we are including a series of blog posts on topics related to mental and physical health, as well as all things tooth-related.
A very common issue these days is burnout. In 2019, the World Health Organisation declared burnout a modern-day health epidemic, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as working from home and home-schooling, have only accelerated the growth in numbers of people feeling completely overwhelmed.
Here, we’ll take a look at what burnout is, the signs to watch out for, and what to do about it.
What is burnout?
Put simply, burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. It happens as a result of being overwhelmed and being unable to meet constant demands and is not restricted to those in employment. It doesn’t matter whether you run your own business, work part-time, or are a stay-at-home parent, we are all at risk of burnout.
The signs of burnout
Burnout is a creepy little beast – it builds up gradually and you probably won’t notice it initially. So, here are the most common signs of burnout that you shouldn’t ignore.
· Emotional symptoms can include feelings of anxiety, tension, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, irritability, or angry outbursts.
· Mental symptoms can include forgetfulness, lack of concentration, difficulties with organizing and decision-making, and negative thoughts.
· Physical symptoms can include changes in sleep and appetite, headaches, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure.
Many of these signs can overlap with other mental health issues, so if you are feeling particularly unwell, or are having thoughts of self-harm, please don’t suffer in silence, there are people who can help. Contact your GP, Samaritans, or Mindwise NI for help, or in case of emergency call 999.
I think I am experiencing burnout – what should I do?
The first thing to remember is you are not alone. In a 2021 U.S. study, more than half of 1500 workers were showing symptoms of burnout.
So, what can we do in our day-to-day lives to help prevent long-term stress and burnout?
1. Take control – plan out your day, set yourself achievable goals, and stick to the plan. Dedicate time to particular tasks, prioritising them in order of importance or urgency.
2. Schedule some ‘me’ time – Include regular breaks in your day. Be sure to take them! Just 10 minutes to switch off or meditate can be helpful. Check out Headspace for some anxiety-calming tips and activities.
3. Have some digital downtime – put your phone away for a bit in the evenings, especially just before bed. We are bombarded with social media and world news on an hourly basis, which has been shown to harm mental wellbeing. Switch off unnecessary notifications so you’re not tempted to check Instagram every ten minutes of the day.
4. Exercise – you don’t have to run a half marathon or do a HIIT workout 5 times a week. Just be sure to include some movement in your day. A 20-minute walk around the block during your lunch break or some yoga is just as effective at calming a frazzled mind and encouraging better sleep.
5. Talk – Chat to friends, discuss any issues at work with your employer, or contact a mental health charity if you feel that you need more help. Communication is the key and will help you feel less alone.