BURNOUT: What do specialists recommend?

Although summer is associated with rest and vacations, many people feel constant fatigue, lack of motivation, and emotional exhaustion. While many believe that a few days off will help them feel better, they often return even more tired. These may be signs of burnout. Burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that occurs due to prolonged stress at work or in personal life.

Main signs of burnout:

• Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
• Decreased work efficiency and productivity levels
• Reduced motivation and enthusiasm
• Emotional exhaustion, irritability, or frustration
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or sleep disturbances

How to fight burnout?

Many people encounter it even while resting, so to help each of our patients, we spoke with clinic specialists and asked them to share their thoughts on burnout and how to manage it.

Psychiatrist-psychotherapist Viktoras Kirila:

“One should not fight burnout. It is necessary to acknowledge that we are burning out, tired, and need rest. This metaphor helps me explain burnout: “Our time is like water in a glass. During burnout, the water in the glass overflows - we are incorrectly distributing our time in the day.” We must find enough time for other activities besides work, during which we disconnect from work, duties, and rest. It would be great if one of those activities is a sport you enjoy. Other activities should be found by oneself. For some, it might be fishing, for others knitting. I often notice that people experiencing burnout plan their free time strictly and criticize themselves if they fail to accomplish something. It is very important to remember that leisure time should not become a strict routine and should bring us joy and relaxation. Another relevant factor is sufficient and quality sleep. I would also like to add that it would be helpful to stop at least a few times a week and be with oneself without external distractions. For example, think about whether my life makes me happy, and if not, what could I change.”

Medical psychologist Mantas Patašius:

“Chronic stress at work, which is not successfully managed, can cause burnout syndrome. Burnout at work can be indicated by several signs: exhaustion and lack of energy, detachment from one’s work, and a negative attitude towards it, a feeling of decreased professional achievements and work effectiveness. Various emerging psychological difficulties significantly affect not only the work sphere but also personal home life and relationships. To help oneself when dealing with burnout syndrome, it is important to reduce (adjust) the workload or take a vacation, pay great attention not only to sleep and rest but also to other activities that will help you feel better - physical activity, productive leisure time, favorite activities, communication with loved ones, nurturing relationships. Various relaxation techniques can help manage stress, for example, those based on visualizations or progressive muscle relaxation, as well as meditation, yoga. Upon noticing signs of burnout syndrome, it is recommended to consult mental health specialists who will help overcome the arising challenges, reduce unwanted burnout symptoms, and restore a healthy relationship with your work.”

Your health is the most important! Don't forget to take care of yourself. If you feel signs of burnout, we recommend consulting a specialist.