What is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can occur in any occupation, but it is most common in high-stress jobs, such as healthcare, law, and education.

Symptoms of Burnout

The symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Feelings of exhaustion
• Reduced motivation
• Negative thoughts about work
• Increased irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in work
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension

Causes of Burnout

There are many factors that can contribute to burnout, including:

• Work overload
• Unrealistic expectations
• Lack of control over one’s work
• Poor work-life balance
• Personal problems

Here are some tips to manage burnout

• Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Do things that you love with people you love.
• Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours.
• Take breaks. It is important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
• Delegate. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This will free up some of your time so you can focus on the most important things.
• Say no. It is okay to say no to extra work or commitments. If you are already feeling burned out, taking on more work will only make things worse.
• Take care of your mental health. If you are struggling to manage your burnout on your own, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to identify the stressors in your life and develop coping strategies.

Seeking Professional Help

If you are struggling to manage burnout on your own, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to identify the stressors in your life and develop coping strategies.

If you are feeling burned out, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you. NSW solicitors can call SOS on 1800 592 296 for access to: Up to three complimentary counselling sessions with an SOS psychologist per financial year, paid for by the Law Society of NSW and 24/7 telephone crisis counselling with a psychologist.

References

• Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 2nd edition (AGLC2)
• “Burnout” by the Mayo Clinic