Causes for Burnout

Many professionals face burnout either early on in their profession or at a later stage where the responsibilities on them are too much. People can experience burnout in their personal lives too, for example a woman who manages the entire household, has no relief from caring for the family and children.

Burnout can be blamed on a skewed way of life. Living life in extremes can lead to burnout. Overindulgence in one particular work, restlessly toiling, lack of balance between work and relaxation, not having the much needed change or break, monotony and routine can lead to burnout.

A realistic and practical lifestyle will help in preventing burnout. Have a realistic assessment of your capacities and needs. Do not lay out targets for yourself that cannot be achieved. Have real expectations from yourself and others.

You may have goals, however, you need adequate knowledge and experience to reach those goals. Do not overstretch yourself and be in haste to achieve more in short time. Wait for the opportune moment and time.

Constant pressures, responsibilities and commitments can cause over indulgence with a particular thing and stress you out. Excessive involvement and emotional attachment is also unhealthy. Preoccupation with a certain thing, a problem, a person and brooding over it day to day will lead to burnout.

Thinking that all responsibilities rest on you, that things will not be as efficient without your contribution and effort, thinking that your presence and work is indispensable will create too much pressure on you. You may take the pressure willingly, however, after a point of time the thought may fill you will revulsion and lead to burnout.

Being there for everything and everyone, may create a lot of pressure on you. Do not take up more things than you can handle. Initially you may be able to stretch yourself, however, after a point of time you may tire of the excessive demands and expectations placed on you, and burnout may set in.