My preferred football team, Arsenal, didn’t clinch the title this season. Despite the disappointment, it’s been an amazing journey for the team. The fight and determination they showed were truly inspiring. They gave it their all and came so close to victory. Even though we didn’t get the win, the progress and passion were undeniable.
Just like Arsenal, I’ve been pushing through and giving my best at work. This year has been tough, but I always drew strength from watching the Arsenal boys. It’s been a rewarding journey with many achievements along the way, but something happened that I never saw coming. I got sick.
It began with relentless headaches, back pains, and sharp chest pains. I found myself in the hospital repeatedly, only to be told that all my tests were normal. I couldn’t understand it—how could I feel so unwell when every test showed nothing wrong?
On my fourth visit, the doctor started asking about my life and work. As the conversation deepened, I found myself in tears. Was I losing my mind?
How could my job, something that I loved make me cringe everytime I thought about it?That’s when it hit me: I had pushed myself too hard. The doctor explained that I was suffering from burnout. Hearing this was a turning point for me. Like a team that needs time to rest and recover, I realized I needed to take a step back and focus on my health.
What is Work Burnout?
But what is burnout? Is it simply feeling overwhelmed in life or at work? Is burnout really that serious? According to the World Health Organization, it is. Burnout is real. Like really real. It was officially recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis earlier in 2019. Originally coined in 1974 by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in his book, "Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement," to describe those feelings that surpass just a "bad day" and the long-term impacts of feeling burnt out. And it manifests itself through exhaustion, headaches, mindset shifts, very little or underpar productivity.
How To Diagnose Work Related Burn Out
The doctors shared a set of questions to check for signs of burnout:
Are you having more bad days than good at work and avoiding tasks or meetings?
Is your mood low or irritable by the end of the weekend, and do you often think about quitting?
Are you experiencing frequent headaches or pains in your stomach, neck, or back?
Is your sleep pattern off, either sleeping too much or too little?
Do you struggle to focus, prioritize tasks, or only work efficiently last minute?
The Plan Going Forward
First things first, I have to rest! Take time off work for a bit - doctors orders. Also, I've began setting boundaries, turning down projects that overextend me, and making time for activities that rejuvenated me.
Gradually, the plan is to regain a healthier, more balanced rhythm.
Burnout, much like a demanding football season, offers valuable lessons. It’s crucial to know when to push forward and when to step back. Our well-being is the bedrock of our success, and without it, everything else falls apart.
If this story resonates with you, take a moment to assess your own work-life balance. Are you pushing too hard? Ignoring the warning signs? Remember, your well-being is essential for achieving sustained success.
Let’s prioritize our health so we can continue to thrive and inspire those around us. Have you experienced burnout? How did you overcome it? I’d love to hear your story.
Are you suffering from workplace burnout? Take this quiz to find out.
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