Jenn Bruer

The Burnout Chronicles: My Journey and Insights on a Vital Workplace Issue

Hey there, it’s Jenn Bruer, and today I want to talk about something close to my heart – you guessed it, Burnout! Burnout is not just a buzzword; it’s a serious issue that impacts not only our well-being but also how we show up in our roles, whether it’s at work or in our personal lives.

Picture this: burnout, that state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, creeps in when we’re drowning in prolonged stress. It’s that feeling of being overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and losing sight of why we took on certain roles in the first place.

Now, the ripple effect of burnout is profound. For individuals, it’s like a silent storm, affecting productivity, the quality of work, and even mental health. And for organizations, it can mean high turnover, low morale, and damaged reputations.

I know from my own journey, burnout is a problem for employees because it takes a toll on physical and mental health. It’s not just about feeling tired; it’s chronic stress wearing down our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses. The headaches, muscle pain, fatigue – they become constant companions.

Emotionally, burnout hits hard. It’s like a dimming of the inner light, causing detachment from tasks and colleagues. Interest fades, replaced by cynicism or pessimism about the future. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that affects personal and professional relationships.

For organizations, burnout disrupts the very essence of human capital. Mistakes increase, creativity wanes, and employee engagement takes a nosedive. The negative work environment created by burnout can spread like wildfire, affecting the organizational culture.

So, why am I talking about this? Because burnout is not a minor problem to be swept under the rug. Employers need to acknowledge and address it ASAP to prevent further damage and restore balance in the workplace. Afterall, employee health IS organizational health!

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share strategies employers can use to prevent and address burnout. Let’s create workplaces that foster well-being and success.

References:

[HelpGuide](https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm)

[Positive Psychology](https://positivepsychology.com/burnout-prevention/)

[Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/preventing-burnout)

[Psych Central](https://psychcentral.com/health/burnout)

[Indeed](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/causes-of-burnout)

[Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/202212/burnout-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters)

[Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/signs-burnout-and-how-to-stop-it)

[Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642)

[WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/healthy-diet-for-burnout#1)

[Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/sleep-tips#sleeping-enough)

[Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201903/how-to-build-support-network-workplace)

[Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2019/03/19/how-to-give-effective-feedback-at-work/?sh=6f0a0c)

Published by Jenn Bruer

Jenn Bruer is an esteemed youth counsellor and retired foster parent with an exceptional eighteen-year record of service. Author of the influential book "Helping Effortlessly: A Book of Inspiration and Healing", Jenn's personal journey through burnout recovery since 2011 has ignited her passion for holistic well-being. As a revered Mindfulness and Burnout workshop provider, she empowers individuals with transformative tools. Jenn's role as board member with Mindfulness Everyday, a prominent Canadian charity, showcases her dedication to accessible well-being education. Her remarkable trajectory exemplifies a commitment to healing and positive change.

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