Work-related stress
Do you feel that work is taking too much out of you? Perhaps you manage to get through the day, but find that you can’t do anything at home. Or you start the working day feeling anxious, because you know you have too much on your plate. Work-related burnout often develops gradually. This can make it difficult to realise in time that things aren’t going well. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means that the demands placed on you and your ability to recover are no longer in balance. If this goes on for too long, symptoms can worsen and you may end up taking sick leave.
What do you notice?
Overwork can cause physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you are getting increasingly tired;
- you are recovering poorly after work;
- you get irritated more easily;
- you have difficulty concentrating;
- you dread working days;
- you feel pain or tension in your body;
- you make mistakes more often;
- you skip breaks;
- you have less patience or energy at home.
Sometimes you may find that you are no longer really able to relax. Your mind remains focused on work, even when you are off work and don’t have to work.
