Neither bright nor burning
EVERY once in a while I feel like throwing a tantrum like my little girl and `refuse' to go to work, because I dislike working! Unfortunately, I do not have doting parents around to fulfil my every wish and so I end up dragging my exhausted self to the office. Those are the days when I feel like chucking it all up.
Defeatist — perhaps, burnt out most certainly. As I have been working for nearly half my life, one supposes that burnout is an inevitability that is just waiting to happen. Job burnout has become increasingly common in today's stressful workplaces. A little stress is manageable; in fact sometimes pressure is good to turn in good work. One tends at those moments to be that much more careful. But when stress becomes unmanageable and leads to serious reactions, it is time to rethink.
Some of us have the habit of putting in too much effort and hard work on projects, which don't bear results but only wear down the spirits. Constantly giving of oneself without adequate replenishment will see everybody on the brink of a burnout. Though everyone is aware when the downslide starts, few of us are equipped to deal with it effectively. At best, temporary relief is all you get before boredom, apathy and frustration become your constant partners again.
The three routes
Whenever you are faced with an intolerable situation there are three ways out of it: escape (from the situation), change or alter the way you perceive the situation. The first step is to deal with the frustration, which is eroding your well being. Is it the job that doesn't provide any kind of satisfaction? Trying to make your job as fulfilling as it once was may be well nigh impossible; but then you just have to change the way you think.
If you think that the problem is not with your choice of vocation but the way things are presently, then you will have to do something to change the situation to make it more fulfilling to your needs.
If you cannot get out of the situation and can do little to change things, the only alternative left is to perceive things differently. Can you zero in on the reasons that are causing you distress?
Problematic workplace relationships cause much insidious harm. Sort out things clearly in your mind before deciding on what your next step should be. Relaxation techniques always do help as do focusing on your goals because this will help you stay motivated when you get too bogged down.
If you want to recover from your apathetic existence, here's how:
Don't deny: Do not be an ostrich. Denial of the problem will not solve it. Listen to the wisdom of your body and accept that you are under stress. Sometimes coming to terms with burnout can be difficult.
Don't isolate: When you are facing job stress the last thing you want to do is to interact with people. But emotional succour and closeness with others will act as a buffer. It will minimise the feelings of depression and agitation.
Don't intensify: Identify the work areas, which need the most focus and concentration, leave out the rest. See if you can eliminate some of the pressure by restructuring your work schedule.
Don't be in a hurry: Learn to pace your work and yourself. Make moderation and balance your mantra against an impending burnout. Stop excessive worrying and minimise your obsessions and concerns. Quiet, relaxing interludes are as much necessary as concentrated activity.
Don't nurture others: Nurture yourself for a change. Learn to say no to others. Delegate responsibilities rather than overloading yourself.
Don't give in: Take a careful look at what your work means to you. Prioritise what is important and what isn't.
If you make your work a reflection of yourself you will realise what is essential and what you can live without.
Though most of us are aware of the extremely negative and corrosive nature of facing a job burnout, we continue to be in an overdrive, tired and pessimistic. Our challenge lies not in how we face up to our downtimes but how we find fulfilment in spite of them.
PADMA RAMESH
padma.hyd@cnkonline.com
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