Mental health burnout is a combination of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It can occur in any workplace but is especially common in highly-demanding industries. Feelings of overwhelm and lack of worth can lead to decreased productivity, harmed relationships with coworkers, and even momentary lapses in judgment. The prevention of mental health burnout in the workplace is essential, as it can improve employee performance and well-being.
What Is Mental Health Burnout?
Mental health burnout is a serious issue with serious physical and psychological health risks. In the workplace, it is the result of excessive work-related stress that leads to burnout and an overwhelming feeling of mental fatigue. Symptoms of burnout include feeling:
- Overwhelmed
- Unmotivated
- Disconnected
- Like your work is never done
Identifying the causes and signs of burnout can help prevent it before it reaches its peak.
How to ask for a mental health day from work.
Why Mental Health Burnout Prevention in The Workplace is Important
Mental health burnout is more than just a feeling. It can have serious consequences for the individual experiencing it as well as their colleagues and employers. Preventing employee burnout is essential to maintain a productive and supportive workplace. Some risks of not addressing burnout may include:
- Increased absenteeism
- Employee turnover
- Low job satisfaction
- Decreased productivity
- Potential legal issues
All of these can add up to a loss of funds and resources for companies that don’t actively work toward preventing burnout. Tackling this problem by implementing prevention methods and providing a supportive work environment can help create a happier and healthier workplace.
Practical Tips To Prevent Mental Health Burnout at Work
1. Prioritize Rest and Self Care
Taking the time to dedicate to proper rest and self-care is incredibly important when it comes to preventing mental health burnout in the workplace. Allowing yourself a break and time to relax after work or taking a regular day off each month to relax and rejuvenate can help to prevent burnout. Or, if you feel burnout creeping up on you, taking a sick day to rest and recharge can help you come back stronger. Taking part in activities such as yoga, time spent outside, or reading can help relax and refocus your mind.
2. Take Breaks Throughout the Day
If a day off is not an option, breaking up tasks throughout the day with breaks in between can be incredibly beneficial. Taking just ten minutes away from a task can help to reset your brain and clarity. You can do this by taking a short walk, reading for a few minutes, working on a hobby, or meditating.
3. Use Vacation Time
Allowing yourself time away from the office with a vacation can do wonders for your mental health. Even just a few days away from the office can help to improve productivity and creativity when returning. Vacation days are meant to be used. Use them!
4. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Establishing boundaries with colleagues and superiors to know when you need to pull back and take a break is very important. This process can look like simply setting reminders to take breaks, saying no to additional tasks you don’t have time for or you feel like you aren’t a good fit for, and/or only communicating during work hours. It is important to stay firm with your boundaries and make sure not to compromise when it comes to taking care of your mental health.
Learn how to set and maintain boundaries.
5. Have a Hobby
Having a hobby can be a great way to prevent mental health burnout in the workplace. Focusing on and enjoying something outside of work can help clear your mind and boost your energy. Whether it’s starting a creative project, learning a new craft, or joining a sports team, having something to look forward to outside the office can be very beneficial.
Having a hobby may help improve overall well-being, which in turn can prevent mental exhaustion and burnout. Taking breaks during the workday to practice your hobby can help you stay energized and motivated when taking on workplace challenges.
6. Eat a Balanced Diet and Exercise Regularly
Putting your physical health first is essential to take care of your mental health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps keep your brain clear, as does 30 minutes a day of physical activity. Taking care of the body is a crucial part of taking care of the mind.
7. Combat Negative Thinking
Negative thoughts have the power to keep us stuck and increase stress levels. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and journaling to manage negative emotions and thoughts. Focusing on the positive can help counteract stress.
8. Break Large Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Breaking down large tasks into small, manageable to-dos can reduce overwhelm, leaving one feeling accomplished and less stressed. Create a timeline with goals and objectives and chip away at these tasks one small step at a time.
9. Ask for Help
Asking for help if feeling overwhelmed can lead to increased productivity and decreased stress. Lean on coworkers or supervisors for support. Reaching out for help can be the perfect jumpstart to eliminating stress and becoming more productive.
Need extra support? Therapy can help you build coping skills and set boundaries. If you feel like you could use some added support, we are here for you. Give us a call at 844-867-8444 and get the support you deserve.
When it comes to mental health burnout in the workplace, prevention is key. By following simple tips such as prioritizing rest and self-care, setting boundaries and taking breaks, combatting negative thinking, and breaking large tasks into smaller steps, we can prevent the burden of mental health burnout. Encourage your coworkers to take these steps to prevent mental health burnout and create a happier and healthier work environment for all.
