Effects of a modern life: burnout

 

We live in a very modern world with so many facilities. Life in general is easier than 50 years ago… And so, why do we get stressed?

Some time ago, stress was the main enemy in the workplace and for society in general. In fact, many years ago, when I had to… eh… miss my job for one day, I went to a doctor who, without any real exam, gave me a note saying I was with stress… Yes, that was part of life and my boss accepted it without any argument.

Then, it seemed stress became a thing of the past or part of our normal, not sure which. People stopped talking about it and you wouldn’t see doctors referring to that anymore; instead, the new culprit was loneliness and social media.

My guess is that hyperconnectivity gave people a sensation stress was not a big thing by opening the door for multiple relaxation possibilities. After all, who can be stressed after watching a lovely video of a dog playing in the snow?

Present time: for some time now, stress is back to the headlines with many articles touching its extreme form: the burnout. It is that horrible sensation in which you are “burning”, or else your brain is getting hammered hardly. A person in that stage, and I have seen a few, cannot work properly or live a normal life.

In its extreme, burnout may even be lethal and its normalization will make people less aware and will not look for a solution. I hope this does not normalize or be forgotten… but the trend has been visible for years, it is destined...

What can we do to prevent burnout?

• Meditate a lot.
• Make space to process your emotions.
• Avoid shortcuts like addictions or constant distraction.
• Exercise and a good diet.
• Reduce unnecessary pressure.
• Limit time with people who drain or push you.
• Consider whether your work aligns with your wellbeing.
• Seek professional support when needed.
• Do things that nourish your happiness.
• Donate, be a volunteer, make other people happy, as giving heals.

And when the flags are all red and the signals are visible (burnout!), don’t wait. Look for medical help; your grandmother’s herb tea won’t work then…

I think we have all experienced stress and I don’t feel anybody is really free from burnout. Please, let’s not allow this to normalize or been forgotten. It is a reality and we must deal with it.