Stress Management Tips: JOB BURNOUT PREVENTION FROM A STRESS MANAGEMENT EXPERT AND SPEAKER
Robert Smith and Associates
January 08, 2008
Consulting Psychologist and Professional Speaker & Trainer
www.askdrjack.com
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Burnout” has been defined as “a state of mental or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.”
Job burnout is an insidious problem in the American workforce, among all levels of employees. Frequently undiagnosed, burnout may appear in job statistics of absenteeism statistics, in suicide rates, or in the development of chronic illnesses that keep employees from working. Ultimately, working oneself to death can be the disguise for job burnout.
JOB CONDITIONS THAT LEAD TO BURNOUT
The following conditions have been found to lead to burnout. Obviously, the more of these that a person has to deal with, the more the likelihood of burnout occurring:
Heavy workload
Long work hours and difficult deadlines
Little participation in decision-making
Poor communications within the organization
Conflicting or uncertain expectations from supervisors
Job insecurity
Lack of recognition
Poor advancement opportunities
Minimal support from supervisors or co-workers
Unpleasant or dangerous working environments or conditions
THREE STAGES OF JOB BURNOUT
Now, all of the person’s defenses are worn to a frazzle. She/he may be overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness. A lack of motivation, fatigue, cynicism and even suicidal thoughts may be present, along with major physiological symptoms. Frequent trips to medical specialists who run many tests and find nothing are common occurrences .
PREVENTING JOB BURNOUT
Of course, being examined my a mental health professional is a wonderful preventive technique. But what steps can the employee take in order to avoid the symptoms of job burnout?
Feel comfortable delegating responsibility at work
Find outlets for frustration, like a brisk walk at noon, reading, listening to music, etc.
Become assertive and be able to say “no” to excessive demands on your time
Feel good about your accomplishments even if you don’t get recognized by supervisors
Avoid excessive alcohol, prescription drugs, nicotine and caffeine
Look everywhere for humor
Remain optimistic in the face of frustration
Learn to organize your time
Take frequent breaks
Practice good nutrition
Get plenty of sleep
Have a friend, spouse or colleague who is a good listener
Dr. Jack Singer is a Professional Speaker & Trainer, author, consultant and Professional Psychologist. Jack has a Diplomate in Behavioral Medicine and he has been recognized by the National Institute of Sports as a Certified Sport Psychologist and as a Diplomate in Sport Psychology. He has taught in the Psychology departments of seven universities, including four years as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jack is regularly seen on CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, FOX SPORTS, and on radio talk shows throughout the U.S. He consults with Fortune 1000 companies from Miami to Malaysia and his stress mastery programs have been featured in USA-TODAY.
www.askdrjack.com
www.funspeaker.com
howtousesportspsychology.com
1-800-497-9880