Every working person sometimes feels the pressure of work-related stress. Even if they love what they do.
It is natural to feel stressed while completing work on time or taking on any challenging responsibility. But when this stress becomes permanent, it can be detrimental to both physical and mental health.
In the year 2023, McKinsey Health Institute of New York conducted a survey on 30 thousand employees of 30 countries of the world. It found that an average of 20% of employees worldwide complain of burnout. While in India this figure is 59% i.e. almost three times higher. The survey also revealed that 18 to 24-year-olds working in small companies are more prone to burnout.
So today relationship In this column we will talk about ways to reduce stress and burnout in the workplace. You will also learn that-
- What is the difference between stress and burnout?
- What effect does this have on our physical and mental health?
- What can we do at our level to reduce work stress?
What is the difference between stress and burnout? Stress usually occurs due to work pressure, unhealthy lifestyle. This can happen for a few hours or days. In this one keeps thinking more about his present situation.
In burnout, a person is completely mentally exhausted while working. Due to which he feels physically tired. Apart from this, the problem of mood swings can also occur.
Stress and burnout problems have almost the same symptoms. But their reasons are different. To understand the difference between stress and burnout, see the graphic below-
Health effects of work stress and burnout
More Excessive work stress or burnout can cause physical and mental health problems. The problems caused by this are almost the same. It can cause many physical health problems like headache, body ache, nausea, diarrhea. Apart from this, there is also a risk of mental health problems like anxiety, irritability, nervousness, depression.
How to avoid work stress and burnout Anyone can suffer from work stress. But when this continues for a long time, it takes the form of burnout. However, both work stress and burnout can be reduced by adopting some methods. Understand this from the graphic below-
Let us now talk in detail about some of the important points given above.
Stress is important to know The first step in managing stress is to identify its source. Identify things that cause stress at work. Is it because of heavy workload, deadlines, boss, co-workers or lack of resources?
When you identify the cause of stress, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate it.
Take care of time management Time management is very important for work life balance. Everyone has only 24 hours in a day, but everyone uses it in their own way. Some spend their whole day sleeping while some use their time meaningfully.
By time management we can get enough time for our office work as well as personal life. If time management is good you can reduce stress and burnout by completing all the work on time.
Also pay attention to self-care Self-care is very important for maintaining good physical and mental health. For this, exercise daily, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
Working out can help reduce stress and improve mood. While a healthy diet and adequate sleep improves health. Apart from this, meditate regularly. This is helpful in reducing stress.
Ask for help when needed You can find support from others when dealing with stress and burnout. For this, talk to a trusted friend, colleague or family member. Tell him the reason for your stress.
Sharing your feelings with others can reduce stress to a great extent. If you're constantly struggling with work stress or burnout, consider seeking professional help.
Take a break between work Taking regular breaks throughout the workday can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Take short breaks every hour or two to stretch, walk around, or just rest for a while. This relaxes the muscles and can also help increase productivity.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
