Are you constantly on edge, your to-do list overflowing
with extra responsibilities? You may be dealing with the unmistakable signs of
overachiever burnout. The signs can include exhaustion, inability to focus
properly and irritability, especially when it comes to a co-worker’s aggravating
question. Ambition is vital but when that compromises your health and wellbeing,
both mentally and physically, something needs to change.
Contrary to popular belief, don’t say yes to everything
Most of us aim to please and want to help out when we can, but
sometimes we can just take on too much. The common consensus has been to say
yes to everything and grab what you can, but this isn’t always possible. If you
suffer from the problem of always saying yes, then it’s best to recognise your
own limitations and set some boundaries with yourself and your co-workers. Remember
to take sick days when you need them and please don’t be a martyr and come to
work with a cold. Instead rest and recuperate so you can get back to work sooner
and avoid the hostile stares from co-workers as you try and supress your
coughing fit.
The everchanging mountain of success
Picture this; you’ve spent the last three years working
towards your promotion, burning out in the process. You achieve it and the
thrill lasts for a good minute before your brain reorganises itself and creates
another goal to achieve, the cycle continuing again. Our goals are not static
and when one is reached another one quickly takes its place. That’s why it’s so
important to live in the present and to constantly take note of where you are
in your journey, because if you are always burning out then you can’t possibly
enjoy the fruits of your labour. Meditation has been found to be a useful tool
in training your brain to focus on the present as well as a way to reduce
stress. Gratitude journalling is also a great way to concentrate on everything
that is going right in your life, and the things you can be appreciative of
while aiming to achieve more.
The matter of multi-tasking
By increasing your workload, you can become more inclined to
multitask to get everything done on time. According to research from the
University of Houston, multitasking in the workplace can lead to negative
emotions including stress, sadness and fear.
[1]
If you are constantly piling more responsibilities onto your plate and
switching between them all, then you can’t be working at your highest capacity.
Another study concluded that multitasking can overload the brain, reducing
productivity by as much as 40%.
[2]
It is recommended to focus instead on a single task at a time, allowing your
brain to work more efficiently.
Your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist is often the most accessible health professional for people who need health advice for body and mind. Our Pharmacists are undertaking training in mental health first aid, becoming a resource in the community for customers to chat to. If you're ever worried about yourself or someone else, or need advice on medications - Contact your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist for professional support and advice.
[1] Multitasking in the workplace can lead to negative emotions. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200...
[2] Movie research results: Multitasking overloads the brain. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170...