Feelings of exhaustion, disconnectedness and lack of motivation are a daily occurrence for many of us. The global pandemic has taken its toll, leading many to feel overworked and depleted to the point where our bodies are shutting down.
Yet we soldier on despite these challenges, making the risk of burnout in our modern lives immense.
The Pandemic - Compounding Burnout
According to Arianna Huffington[1], Thrive Global Founder and CEO, the pandemic has simply exacerbated an existing and pervasive problem in our society.
To help us gain a better understanding of the modern burnout epidemic, Arianna revisits the fascinating history of burnout in an article written for Thrive Global[2].
The concept was first introduced in the 1970s by two independent researchers, Herbert Freudenberger and Christina Maslach, a Professor of Psychology, who described the consequences of severe work-related stress.
Today, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), developed in part by Christina Maslach, is a widely used tool to measure burnout symptoms. In 2019, the MBI framework was used by the World Health Organisation to include burnout as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
Burnout will continue to be a challenge long after the pandemic ends, however, it is not something we need to feel is inevitable.
Arianna concludes the article by leaving us with important tips for stress management and how to foster resilience in the face of burnout:
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Do not start your day by looking at your phone. Instead, take a moment to set an intention or take some conscious breaths after you wake up.
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Use box-breathing techniques in moments of stress. Inhale for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, exhale for four counts and hold yourself empty for four counts. This is a powerful technique to relieve stress.
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Set healthy limits to media consumption. Set a time at the end of the day when you no longer read the news. This will help prepare for a good night’s rest.
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Reach out to people. Offering a helping hand to others can boost well-being and put worries into perspective.
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Declare an end to the working day. Turn off your phone in the evenings and consider charging it outside the bedroom.
References
1. Arianna Huffington. Thrive Global; 2024.
2. The Fascinating History of Burnout. Thrive Global; 2020.
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