Definition
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It often occurs when someone feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.
Symptoms
When someone experiences burnout, they may feel:
- Exhausted: Physically and emotionally drained.
- Cynical: Negative or detached from their work or responsibilities.
- Ineffective: Unable to perform their tasks well or meet expectations.
Causes
Burnout can be caused by various factors, including:
- Heavy workload: Excessive or demanding responsibilities.
- Lack of control: Feeling powerless or unable to influence decisions.
- Poor work-life balance: Difficulty separating work from personal life.
- Unrealistic expectations: Feeling pressured to meet high standards.
- Lack of recognition: Feeling unappreciated or undervalued.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout, it’s important to take steps to address the underlying causes and prioritize self-care.
James McKenna
James McKenna is a seasoned healthcare executive coach with a proven track record of optimizing organizational performance. Drawing on extensive experience working with executive, physician, and nursing teams at leading health systems nationwide, James brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as a healthcare leadership consultant.