Dealing With Work From Home Burnout

Since the start of the pandemic, people have been left with the feeling of being burnt out after being stuck at home for the past year. Due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases and continuous lockdown in the country, it is accompanied by the seemingly counterproductive tasks that need to be accomplished everyday has caused people to become burnt out daily. How can one avoid feeling this?

What is Burnout?

Burnout is defined as the feeling of being mentally or physically exhausted without any feeling of hope or purpose in one’s occupation. This is characterized by a sense of emptiness and depersonalization, which disconnects a person from the things that one has previously enjoyed.

Signs of Burnout

According to the Eastern Western University, here are some of the most common signs of burnout:

1. Physical

Feeling tired majority of the time
Lowered immunity and frequent body ache
Significant change in sleeping or eating habits

2. Emotional

Feeling hopeless and helpless
Decreased motivation
Increased self-doubt
Decreased satisfaction and accomplishment

3. Behavior

Procrastination
Using harmful coping mechanisms (Alcohol, drugs,etc.)
Withdrawing from responsibilities
Isolating oneself
Frequent absences in school or work

Preventing Burnout

If constant stress causes you to feel helpless, disillusioned, and extremely exhausted, you may be on the road to burnout. Here are some ways on what you can do to regain your balance and avoid burnout in the future.

1. Check in with yourself

Always check in with yourself to see how you’re doing emotionally and physically. Find time to assess your mental and physical health by monitoring your feelings and checking for any signs of burnout.

2. Take breaks

It is important that you take breaks in between your busy schedule. Relax and reward yourself with little things such as watching a few episodes of your favorite series or ordering your favorite snack. Dedicate a rest day every week in order to allow your mind and body to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Work with a purpose

Generally, people who work with a purpose and actually enjoy their work are less likely to experience burnout. This is because they are driven by intrinsic motivations other than individual financial purposes and are able to see the essence of their input in the particular career that they partake in.

4. Spend time with loved ones

Quality time with those you love helps alleviate the stress accumulated from work or school. Commit a few moments once in a while to connect with family, friends and even pets, to help destress and build better emotional connections.

5. Find a healthy habit

It would be beneficial to find a habit or hobby that would help you release the stress from your everyday routine. It could be cooking or baking, painting, playing video games and the like. This will also help you develop creative elements that would help you further in work or in school.

Final Tip:

The term “burnout” suggests that it may be a permanent condition, however, it’s reversible. Although it is significant to prioritize and complete your assignments or tasks, don’t forget that the most important thing is taking care of yourself! It is not too late to start developing clear strategies that can aid you to manage your stress!

Diniella Marie Y. Abadia

Diniella Marie Y. Abadia is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management student at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Antipolo. She works in Verafede Inc. as a Marketing Intern. She enjoys reading books, doing bullet journal, watching anime and Korean dramas.