Rossa shares the ultimate guide on overcoming burnout for entrepreneurs
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How to tell if you are experiencing burnout
Being constantly exposed to high stress at work can lead to a state of physical and mental exhaustion known as burnout. This syndrome has three main components to look out for: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy, says a Harvard Business Review article. Exhaustion —the core symptom of burnout— is a severe physical and mental fatigue that affects the ability to work successfully and feel positive. Cynicism refers to an excess of negative feelings towards work and relationships, which indicates a loss of engagement. Inefficacy involves feelings of incompetence and lack of fulfillment.
Three Simple Steps for Overcoming Burnout
According to Harvard Business Review, the process of overcoming burnout involves three stages: first, notice the symptoms; second, exame the underlying causes; and last, design strategies to prevent it.
1- Notice how burnout feels
Burnout can manifest itself in several ways, both physically and mentally. There are other symptoms besides general exhaustion, the feeling of dread about work, and constant feelings of cynicism. Burnout is associated with irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and depression, hopelessness, sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and an increased risk of alcohol, drug or food abuse, reports Psychology Today. Being aware of how burnout feels is the first step to overcoming burnout.
2- Search for the root causes
Once you have identified the effects of burnout on your body, it is time to determine the main stress triggers around you. Since the factors that contribute most to burnout are situational, like a hostile work environment, it is necessary to distinguish which ones you can control. By doing this simple exercise, you will reduce your stress levels considerably. It could be that you work too many hours without rest, perform too many tasks at once, or work toward goals that don’t align with your authentic vocation. This stage is about doing a lot of self-reflection to find the possible causes.
3- Think about prevention strategies
Recovering from burnout and preventing it requires prioritizing self-care. Consider cultivating good habits such as improving your sleep hygiene and diet, moving more, and respecting your free time. To successfully implement these habits, you will first need to evaluate how you spend your time to make room for them. Other preventive strategies include reducing exposure to the most stressful activities and relationships and counter them with meaningful alternatives. Consider also setting realistic work deadlines, giving yourself recognition for your achievements, and seeking the training opportunities you need to grow professionally.
Focus on what matters with Rossa’s help
An entrepreneur experiencing burnout puts his brand and their team at stake. Delegating tasks can be one of your main resources to overcome burnout. As a remote office service provider, Rossa is ready to cover your back office tasks so you can focus on the core activities of your business. The dedication and competence of our associates will provide the peace of mind you need. Contact us today to learn how Rossa can help you overcome burnout.