Building a Healthy Work-Life Balance to Prevent and Manage Stress Levels – Fran Lugo

“Often, dedicating ourselves completely to what we love the most is not always the best thing for us.”

Many times, we find ourselves working on things we are passionate about, which are our reason for getting up, our economic livelihood, our professional goal, and with which we find a sense of purpose, until one day it stops being so.

The word ‘Burnout’ describes an inadequate way of coping with chronic stress.  According to American psychologist Christina Malach, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal performance are the main features of this phenomenon.

There is a point at which too much contact with service recipients produces negative attitudes and behaviors. The disorder is also known as a psychological disorder that arises from chronic stress.

It has been shown that there are a lot of things that can lead to “professional burnout,” such as the amount of work, the feeling of not having control, the lack of reward for the work you do, the lack of community or integration, little or no equity, and the lack of a good match.

Also, it is necessary to do more with fewer people, which has led us to increase the workload. To this, we must take work home.

Having unclear leadership roles and a lack of autonomy can lead to constantly changing priorities or having them clear. This can lead to a dysfunctional environment that challenges mental and emotional stability. Add to this, constant efforts that are not recognized.

The work environments where you work daily are another factor. The quality of relationships, the sense of belonging, and the cohesion of the same can make the difference between being a platform for growth and motivation or a force that makes your person even smaller.

The worker is affected by inequalities and lack of justice, altering his mental and emotional balance.  An effort and commitment diminish when a worker’s values don’t coincide with those of the company.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is likely that you need to take a break.

  • Tiredness and exhaustion most of the time.
  • Illnesses that become more and more frequent.
  • Constant headaches or muscle aches.
  • Change in appetite or sleeping habits.
  • Feeling of failure and doubt.
  • Feeling of helplessness, entrapment, and defeat.
  • Detachment, feeling alone in the world.
  • Loss of motivation.
  • Increasingly cynical and negative outlook.
  • Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
  • Indifference to responsibilities.
  • Procrastination, constant procrastination to get things done.
  • Resorting to food, drugs, or alcohol to cope.
  • Taking out their frustrations on others.
  • Missing work or arriving late and leaving early.

Pay attention to your body and behavior. They can tell you if you are burned out.

What we enjoy the most can be the engine of our life, but excess may not be the best for us. 

It is time to observe and build healthy limits to achieve the best performance in all areas of our life.

Reconnect: Work and Life in Balance

"Going overboard, even for what we love, might not always be in our best interest."

Often, we dive deep into our passions. It fuels our daily drive, provides our financial lifeline, and gives us a sense of purpose. But what if that suddenly changes?

The term 'Burnout' refers to an inadequate response to chronic stress. According to U.S. psychologist Christina Malach, it's marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a drop in performance.

There's a threshold where excessive interaction results in negative attitudes and behaviors. More so, this disorder arises from consistent stress.

Factors like workload, a feeling of powerlessness, scant rewards, and a lack of inclusivity can cause burnout. Moreover, workloads have expanded, often spilling into our personal spaces.

Unclear roles and a lack of autonomy create a challenging, potentially toxic work environment. When you add unrecognized efforts into this mix, the setting worsens.

The workplace atmosphere, the quality of relationships, and team cohesion can be crucial for our well-being. Yet, a clash in values between an employee and the company can lead to emotional imbalances.

If you're showing any of these symptoms, it might be time for a break:

  • - Constant fatigue.
  • - Regular illnesses.
  • - Headaches or muscle pains.
  • - Shifts in appetite or sleep patterns.
  • - Feelings of failure.
  • - Overwhelming sense of defeat.
  • - Loss of motivation.
  • - A growing negative outlook.
  • - Work indifference.
  • - Procrastination.
  • - Overreliance on food, drugs, or alcohol.
  • - Directing frustrations onto others.
  • - Absenteeism or frequent tardiness.

Listen to your body and behavior; they might be hinting at burnout.

Loving what we do can be the engine of our life, but excesses are seldom good. It's time to observe, reconnect, and set healthy boundaries in every life facet.