HOW TO STOP BURNOUT

ANIL was beyond exhausted. He had taken on a new job because  it promised greater prestige and more weekends sometimes up to 80 hours a week. "The work environment was chaotic," he states, "and all the responsibility fell on me. I said to myself: What have I done? If I don't  make a change, I'm dead.' " Anil was rapidly burning out.

Workplace burnout is more than mere tiredness, and it goes  beyond the ordinary stress of everyday work, Burnout is characterized by chronic exhaustion and strong feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Those suffering from from burnout tend to withdraw emotionally from their work, lose motivation, and become less productive. Studies also link burnout to numerous emotional and physical health problems.

What cause burnout? Work overload is often a factor. Because of economic pressuring, some employers demand that employees work longer hours, at times for less money. Technology now keep some in constant contact with their job, blurring the lines between work and private life. For some, job insecurity, lack of control over their work, or feelings of being treated unfairly contribute to burnout. So does dealing with unclear priorities or conflict with coworkers.

Burnout can also be self-inflicted. In the pursuit of career goals and greatness income, some try to fit ever more work into their life. Such ones may become over-committed and find themselves on the road to burnout.

If you are experiencing workplace burnout, how can you recover? Granted, change may seem impossible if you feel trapped in circumstances beyond your control. Nevertheless, consider the following four steps for dealing with burnout. You may have more options than you realize.

1 EVALUATE YOUR PRIORITIES.

What is most important to you? Many people would likely  put family relationship and good health near the top of their list. These are things that are likely to suffer if you are burned out.
By clarifying your priorities, you prepare yourself to make difficult decisions and accept trade-offs. For example, you may see your work is leading to burnout. Yet you may reason, 'I cannot change jobs or work less; I need the income!' True, everyone needs income, but how much and at what cost to the things you value most?

Beware of pressure to adopt the priorities of others around you as your own, You employer's priorities and yours are  likely  different. Others may choose to put work first in their life, but this does not mean that you must do the same.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "EVEN WHEN A PERSON HAS AN ABUNDANCE, HIS LIFE DOES NOT RESULT FROM THE THINGS HE POSSESSES," LUKE 12:15

2. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE.

To reduce stress and gain time for what you truly value, you may consider working fewer hours, you may be able to persuade your employer to reduce your current job demands, or you may determine that you need to change jobs. Whatever you decide to do, you will likely need to adjust your financial situation and make changes in your lifestyles. But this is not impossible and may not be as hard as you might think

In many lands, a consumer-oriented society sends the message that happiness is linked to income level and possessions. But in reality it is not. A simpler lifestyle can bring greater freedom and satisfaction. To prepare for such a change, reduce expenses and  save money. Try to lower or eliminate debt. Discuss the need for change with your family members, and seek their support.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WE WILL CONTENT WITH THESE THINGS," -1 TIMOTHY 6:8

3. LEARN WHEN TO SAY NO TO WORK.

If you face an unrealistic workload in your workplace, distance your situation with your employer. Whenever  possible, offer solutions that meet both your needs and those of your  employer. Reassure your work, and explain what you are willing to do; but be clear and firm about what you are not able to do.

Use foresight and be realistic. If you want to work less, you employer may expect you to accept less compensation. Anticipate risks such as the threat of job loss, and be prepared to respond. Remember that your prospects for finding a different job are better while you are still employed.
Even when you have reached a mutually agreeable work arrangements with your employer, you can expect to be pressured again to take on more work. What can help you to remain firm? Keeping to the commitments that you have made. Doing so might give you leverage to ask you your employer to do the same in return, including keeping your workload within the agreed limits.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "LET YOUR WORD 'YES MEAN YES, YOUR 'NO,' NO."-MATTHEW 5:37 

4. RENEW YOURSELF.

Even when your work is free of major problems, you may still have your share of stresses, difficult people, and balanced recreation. Remember that recreation does not have to be expensive to be refreshed to you and your family.
Cultivate interests and friendships apart for your work, and avoid defining yourself by the type and amount of work that you do. Why? That book your Money or Your Life Observes: "Who you are is far greater than what you do for money." If your identity and self-worth come primarily from your work, than you will find it difficult to minimize the role that work plays in your life.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: " BETTER IS A HANDFUL OF REST THAN TWO HANDFUL OF HARD WORK AND CHASING AFTER THE WIN." -ECCLESIASTES 4:6

can you really make the changes needed to deal successfully with burnout? Yes, you can. Anil, mentioned at the beginning of this article, did so. He says: "I contacted my former employer and asked if he would take me back, and he did. I was embarrassed to face my former coworkers after I had talked about moving on to greener pastures,' And I took a significant cut in pay. But I gained peace of mind, and I had more time for my family and other things that I truly value."