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Last World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Occupational Burnout is now officially a health syndrome. Previously it was classified as a problem related to life management. The internet was going crazy with some going so far as saying it was out of control and even contagious!

So what is Burnout and how does one identify it? Burnout (exhaustion due to chronic workplace stress) has been defined by the WHO as a clinical syndrome,medically legitimizing the condition for the first time.

According to the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (the ICD-11) chart, burnout results from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” The ICD lists possible signs of burnout as:

1) Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.

2) Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.

3) Reduced professional efficacy.

It may be difficult for some but accepting that you may be experiencing Burnout is the first step to recovery. Research shows that most people are in denial and put it down to poor management or self discipline instead of facing the situation and realizing they have a problem.

After that get some rest. Easy as that. Hit the pillow, take long walks on the beach, switch off your smart device and maybe get that elusive drink with your friends that long overdue. If you having difficulty falling asleep try serene meditation music, can be found on Play-store and I-store and there a few free apps. Also use a few drops lavender oil on your pillow and bedding. You can even get a lavender plant for your bedroom.

The next step is to take a step back and evaluate your situation but with a partner, family member you trust or a trained professional. Some go so far to the extent of hiring a professional life coach.

Once you have done that find ways to refuel on your energy supply. Each person is different so do what makes you happy. A nice cup of special tea, taking a long relaxing soak or even getting your garden in shape. Consider a massage or even alternative relaxation therapy like deep breathing and meditation. Find your inner child, the key to your energy field.

Practice healthy habits. Go for healthy foods, not too much coffee and alcohol, and go to bed and wake up at regular times. Keep your phone away from your bed. Also do regular detox days at least once a month for a day. Stop when you tired and have lunch on time. Companies like Google now have sleep pods in their wellness centers because it is proven that a 20 minute catnap can re-boost the brain. A practice that has long been used by the Asian communities. Its been found that people who nap regularly, eat on time and go to bed and get sufficient sleep live longer and are less likely to get sick.

There’s an old Japanese saying taken from Reiki “ Speak your truth.” What is means simply is be aware of your mind and body and be able to recognize the feelings you have and express them well and honestly. Many say don’t go to bed angry but most think about their spouses when it actual fact it could be with anyone. Who can honestly say they have had a good nights rest after an angry episode with someone? Once again this go back to healthy habits and tossing and turning, losing out on sleep isn’t a good habit to have. It can leave you tired, moody and making very bad decisions.

And when you are ready assess your situation and ask yourself how did you burnout in the first place so it never happens again. Was it perfectionism? Fear of not being good enough? Or did you want to climb competitively? We all have something that drives us but also we need to be able to draw a line somewhere.

Patience and acceptance of the situation as it is are key. it is good to do some small activities together, like going for a walk in the park or getting some ice-cream. And don’t forget to take good care of yourself!

If you recognize yourself in (part of) the above, please talk to your partner or a friend, your GP or another caregiver. It is important to get professional help, as it is one of the best ways to recover and learn new coping methods.

Source: WHO, Business Insider, Wikipedia