What Causes Burnout and How to Overcome It

But sadly its also common to feel tired all the time.

To lack enthusiasm about your work.

To feel cynical and disengaged from what you do.

This post originally appeared on theRescueTime blog.

In this post Ill explore what burnout is, what causes it, and how we can overcome it.

What is Burnout?

The term burnout was coined in the 70s by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger.

Indeed, the outer shell may seem almost intact.

Only if you venture inside will you be struck by the full force of the desolation.

But how do we get into this sorry state?

Its not as simple as overworking.

And the effects are serious.

Over time the effects of burnout can lead to memory, attention, and emotional problems.

Its not just the brain at risk, either.

A study of nearly 9,000 workers found burnout significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

So youre feeling the effects of burnout or youre worried youre at risk.

What can you do?

But burnout isnt just about workload stress.

To overcome burnout, you also need to find ways to relax and enjoy life again.

Its easy to forget about looking after yourself when youre burned out.

Carter also recommends remembering what you like doing to relax, and finding more time for those activities.

Yahoo!

Burnout is the result, according to Mayer, of work getting in the way of workers lives.

She says people will become resentful if work makes them miss things that are really important to them.

Sudakow admits his schedule was hectic.

But Sudakow did what few of us wouldhe added piano lessons to his schedule.

But heres the strange thing: it actually worked.

That extra commitment helped Sudakow stave off burnout.

The trick, he says, was choosing something that helped rejuvenate his energy.

Playing piano at night made me feel better when he went to sleepandwhen he woke up the next day.

That daily rejuvenation seeped into his work and made him feel better overall.