Preventing & Overcoming Burnout

1. Preventing & OvercomingBurnout Prepared by: LifeWork Strategies www.lifeworkstrategies.com

2. Objectives • Define burnout and identify causes. • Identify burnout symptoms and behaviors. • Assess if you are burned out. • Learn strategies for coping with and preventing burnout.

3. What is Burnout? Depletion of mental, physical, and emotional energy without expected or real needs being met; constant giving without receiving in return.

4. The Path of Unrelenting Stress • Burnout is part of the stress experience. It is the end-stage of unrelenting stress. • Burnout compromises physical and emotional wellbeing. • When something has to give…it’s usually caring for ourselves that goes first. When we stop caring for ourselves, we put ourselves at risk for burnout.

5. The Descent Into Burnout

6. Symptoms of Burnout • Physical • Mental/Emotional • Behavioral

7. Low energy/exhaustion Insomnia or oversleeping Muscle tension Decrease/increase in appetite Headaches Decreased sexual drive Undefined feeling of illness Rapid pulse Heart palpitations Elevated blood pressure Digestive disorders Rashes/itching Frequent urination Shakiness and trembling Frequent colds Physical Symptoms

8. Feeling of loss of control Loss of meaning Feeling inadequate/incompetent Forgetful Resistant to suggestions Feeling trapped Difficulty concentrating Boredom Feeling work doesn’t fit in with personal values Loss of sense of humor In denial Detached Sad Fearful/anxious Frustrated Overwhelmed Mental & Emotional

9. Accident prone Increased use of sick days Sighing Irritable/angry Tearful Withdrawn Cynical Changes in relationships Unresponsive Working hard but not being as productive Increased use of medication, alcohol, and other drugs Behavioral Symptoms

10. Handout: Are you at risk?

11. Sources of Burnout • Personal • Environmental • Organizational

12. Health issues Boredom Financial problems Ineffective habits Caregiving without respite Lack of social support Values, attitudes Lack of coping mechanisms Disruptive or unhealthy relationships Personal Sources

13. Environmental Sources • Noise, light, temperature, humidity • Technostress/information overload • Lack of proper equipment • Job hazards/risks • Ergonomic issues • Overcrowding

14. Too much to do/too little to do Role ambiguity Too much responsibility Lack of training Accountability Overqualified/under qualified Uncertain future Management style Company culture Constant change Few opportunities for growth, creativity, making contribution Organizational Sources

15. Coping with Burnout • Identify and eliminate sources that drain energy. • Identify what you can change and what you can’t. • Set goals that reflect your values and beliefs.

16. Coping with Burnout • Set limits • Delegate responsibility • Take breaks • Create new challenges that validate values and are stimulating • Seek support

17. Avoiding Burnout • Master your mind • Eat for performance • Work out to work better • Break up stress and fatigue • Learn to embrace problems • Put humor to work • Create energizing environment

18. Thank You! Your input is important. Please take a minute to evaluate this seminar.