Recognising burnout and what to do

Written by: Luthando Mkwelo

Taking stock after Covid anxiety and preparing for another year

How to cope with end of year burnout

As we come to terms with all the post-pandemic stresses, anxiety, and an assortment of emotions Covid has left at our doorsteps, choosing how to deal with these emotions can affect our well-being and ability to be effective at our job.

This may result in a knock-on effect, hindering congenial relations with people we care for and work with.

Being able to recognize signs of burnout as we approach the end of a testing year and the beginning of another is crucial when taking strides toward building resilience to face the next year.

How we manage events that leave us with trauma or microaggression in a work environment affects everyone uniquely.

What becomes vital is managing the effects of trauma to reduce negative behaviour and health outcomes (anger, sleep, and concentration trouble, drinking more alcohol than usual, and using recreational drugs).

Part of emotional wellness involves being aware of one’s feelings, understanding them, and accepting them.

The image this calls to mind is one of a safety briefing on an airplane where passengers traveling with children are instructed to place the oxygen mask on themselves first before assisting children and other passengers.

This can be applied to mental health in that maintaining personal equilibrium depends on caring for oneself first.

To avoid burnout at work, one should remember to cover the basics:

  • get enough sleep
  • set aside time to exercise regularly (consistency is fundamental to establishing a routine
  • build a good network of people with positive outlooks (work and socially)
  • take note of your thoughts to avoid negative spiraling
  • speak to yourself with positivity
  • know where to seek help should you feel overwhelmed.

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