Feature
when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet the constant demands.
The American psychologist Herbert
Freudenberger coined the term ‘burnout’ in the 1970s. He used it to describe the consequences of severe and high ideals in the ‘helping’ professions. But burnout can affect anyone, from stressed-out careerists and celebrities to overworked employees and homemakers. There are practical steps we can follow
Burnout – how to avoid it!
Resilience specialist Liggy Webb on the importance of self-care and managing stress
S
tress – are we coping? This was the title of a report that was published by the Mental Health Foundation presenting data from a survey of more than 4,000 adults. The
report also collated information from other organisations’ research, and it is well worth reading to find out more on how to manage stress levels in the workplace. The report highlighted that over half a million people in the UK suffer from work-related stress. It identified the need to promote mental health in the workplace, and urged employers to treat mental and physical health with equal importance. While elevated stress isn’t a mental health problem in itself, it can lead to anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide, as well as cardiovascular disease and joint and muscle problems.
Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long Michael Gungor
I have observed a sharp increase in the amount of people who seem to be hovering close to the black hole of burnout.
So what does burnout actually mean? Essentially, it is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs
to minimise the risk of burnout. Here are five key suggestions:
1. Understand stress and the physiological effect it has on your mental and physical health.
2. Raise awareness of your relationship with stress by understanding your triggers and responses.
3. Make a commitment to self-care and learn to establish healthy boundaries and habits.
4. Balance your lifestyle and improve your mental and physical well-being through diet, exercise and rest.
5. Create moments of sanctuary throughout your day to replenish your energy levels so you are a ‘human being’ rather than a ‘human doing’!
Raising awareness In a world where there seems to be so much more pressure and demand than ever before it is so important to raise awareness around the risks of burnout. This is the foundation for any supportive and healthy working environment that engages and enables people to thrive. To read the report, visit www.
mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/stress- are-we-coping n
Liggy Webb
specialises in behavioural skills and speaks about burnout on 16 October
www.thelearningarchitect.com
Learning Magazine | 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
