Burnout has also been prevalent in work, school, and extracurriculars. The World Health Organization defines burnout in three ways:
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
- Increased mental distance (from work or in general), or general cynical/negative feelings about one’s job
- Reduced professional efficacy
As we approach the our one year anniversary with Covid19 and quarantine, burnout in one form or another seems to be the norm as stress and tension continue to grow. A large part of this stems from the fact that, “nowadays we’re dealing with a work/life ‘blend’, not ‘balance’”, according to Davida Ginter, CEO of the social well-being focused nonprofit, Enkindle Global. This ‘blending’ of work and life makes separating productive time and leisure time more difficult, therefore increasing feelings of guilt, stress, and overall tension.
With our own unique circumstances, burnout effects everyone differently. Unfortunately that makes prescribing a general solution difficult. Regardless, multiple sources point towards living healthier as a great start, this can include:
- Exercising when your schedule allows
- Eating 3 meals a day
- Staying hydrated!!
- Getting adequate sleep when possible (8 hours!)
Other sources highlight the importance of maintaining our mental well-being as well. In times where it feels like emotional tensions and stress are suffocating you, confiding in a friend, colleague, roommate, or even therapist can be an important step in relieving the burden.
From personal experience, I’ve also found picking new and rekindling old hobbies to be a fun and relaxing way to ease stress. Finding an activity that you truly enjoy and immersing yourself in it (and seeing improvement!) is a rewarding and simple way to distract yourself.
All in all, there are many ways to reduce the stresses of everyday Covid19 life and I encourage you to take a minute to learn more. Also understand that while life may feel lonely at times, there are more people than you know feeling what you are – don’t be shy to reach out and talk to someone.
https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/7-ways-prevent-work-home-burnout \
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/mental-health-non-healthcare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/care-for-yourself.html
