Burnout Is Not Just Being Tired
The WHO defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It has three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
The Three Warning Signs
- Exhaustion: You feel drained before the workday even begins.
- Cynicism: You've become detached, negative, or apathetic about work you once cared about.
- Inefficacy: You feel like nothing you do makes a difference.
Recovery Strategies
Recovery requires boundary-setting. Start by establishing one hard boundary this week: no emails after 7 PM, a 30-minute lunchbreak away from your desk, or delegating one task you've been holding onto.