Coming to terms with your burnout

Burnouts have become an unavoidable part of all of our lives. Whether it's due to stress induced from academics, work, or even a beloved hobby, we're all plagued by it no matter how hard we try to avoid it. But the biggest issue with burnouts isn't just having it. A lot of people are stuck in the denial stage, as they refuse to accept that maybe they're exhausted.

Knowing you might be burned out is one thing, but accepting it is an entirely different concept. There might be a myriad of reasons for this denial, and a major one can be you are unable to accept the significance of it in your life. Maybe your burnout was caused by something with a strict deadline, and you are ignoring your declining health to get it done, since it's crucial that you submit it on time.

However, forcing yourself to work through it will impact the final result, and take your wellbeing down as well. By the end of it, you'll probably feel even worse. So, take a step back, and assess your current situation. If you can see that you're genuinely feeling too overwhelmed, try to do things that will lessen your burden, like requesting an extension. If that's not possible, reach out to someone who has the ability to help you out with your work. Asking for a bit of extra help doesn't make you lesser, and you have no reason to feel bad about it.

This is why so many people can find it hard to validate their burnout: because they feel like they haven't worked hard enough to "earn" it, and feel guilty about it. They might compare themselves to others who are in the same situation as them, and assume that since those people aren't burned out yet, they don't deserve to be either.

Even if they aren't burned out, they will most likely understand what you're going through. Share your feelings with them, and they should be able to sympathise with you to some extent.

But just because someone doesn't seem tired doesn't mean that they actually aren't. Chances are that if you talk to them, you might find out that they're in the same place as you. You'll probably feel more validated after it, and the other person might as well, so it's a win for both of you. Even if they aren't burned out, they will most likely understand what you're going through. Share your feelings with them, and they should be able to sympathise with you to some extent. If it's possible for you, communicate these emotions with your superiors as well, and see if they can find ways to cut you some slack while you recover.

The number one step of getting better is to accept that you have a problem in the first place. It can be difficult at first, the more you choose to ignore it and put it off for later, the worse you'll feel. Being so emotionally and physically drained from work isn't a natural state for any of us. So, for your own good in the long run, instead of working through your burnout, give yourself time to recover first.

Namreen is sick and tired. Send a reminder that life goes on at: namreen.shaiyaz@gmail.com