The five phases of burnout

The same spark that once ignited our enthusiasm and passion can turn into a consuming inferno known as burnout, separating us from both our feelings and our work. Here I explain the fifth stage, which can affect anyone at risk.

The fifth phase:

1. the honeymoon or the first excitement:
In this first phase, people often feel enthusiastic and committed. There is a general spirit of optimism and a strong will coupled with a passion to overcome obstacles.

2. Onset of stress and initial self-doubt:
The first symptoms of stress appear in this phase. Small problems are magnified and you begin to question your ability to fulfil your obligations.

3. chronic stress and the onset of anger:
Stress becomes chronic stress if it persists. The excitement of unfulfilled expectations leads to a growing sense of frustration and physical and emotional fatigue.

4. ordinary burnout:
At this severe level, the daily experience of burnout becomes the norm. A feeling of emptiness sets in as performance declines. This can lead to cynicism and the conviction that your actions are insignificant.

5. burnout and emotional alienation:
Deep fatigue is a characteristic of the last phase of burnout. Hopelessness and a lack of personal fulfilment are common, and complete emotional alienation from one's own work can occur.

What to do?

As the creator of miReiki, I have experienced the devastating consequences of burnout myself and know the phases - not only in theory, but also in practice. It often starts quietly when our zeal for our task gets the better of us. However, if it remains unchecked, the initial worries and self-doubt can develop into persistent burnout and chronic frustration. Burnout, an emotional alienation that isolates us from our inner self, is the result of this sad journey.

But hope dies last. miReiki can help each individual to rediscover who they are. It serves as a friendly companion to take a moment to reflect and tenderly nurture our inner fire. miReiki can offer a way out of the burnout cycle: Reiki harmonises the flow of energy, Ayurveda promotes balance in our lives, yoga strengthens our physical and mental strength and aromatherapy can relax our senses.

Assistance from the Burnout:

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you start to experience burnout. When the going gets tough, miReiki can be a rock in the storm. It is an encouragement to use our inner fire to light our way instead of letting burnout consume us.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Contact or visit Facebook. I will be happy to show you how to recognise and overcome the five burnout phases. Let's rekindle the fire together and discover the path to true inner contentment.

Burnout scientifically explained:

Burnout is a complex phenomenon that has not yet been uniformly defined in science. Nevertheless, some key aspects of current research can be summarised:

Definition and characteristics

Burnout is described as a risk condition caused by prolonged excessive demands at work[1]. It is a state of persistent exhaustion as a result of chronic overload[2].

The three main dimensions of burnout are:

1. emotional exhaustion
2. alienation/cynicism towards work
3. reduced performance[1][3]

Symptomatology

Typical symptoms of burnout include

- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
- Concentration and memory disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Physical complaints such as headaches or back pain
- Feelings of frustration and bitterness
- Loss of empathy and idealism[1][2]

Causes and risk factors

The main causes are

- Chronic stress in the workplace
- Discrepancy between own expectations and reality
- Lack of coping strategies

Risk factors include increasing work intensification, poor work organisation and bullying[7].

Diagnostics and classification

Burnout is not a recognised medical diagnosis, but is classified in the ICD-11 as a work-related phenomenon[7]. There are no standardised diagnostic criteria. Burnout is often seen in connection with other mental illnesses such as depression[6].

Prevention and treatment

Stress management, work-life balance and a healthy lifestyle are recommended as preventative measures[7]. Treatment usually includes psychotherapeutic approaches to stress management and, if necessary, temporary incapacity to work[2].

To summarise, burnout can be described as a multidimensional exhaustion syndrome caused by chronic work overload and associated with considerable psychological and physical impairments.

Sources:
[1] https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/koerper-psyche/psychologie/burnout-so-merken-sie-ob-sie-betroffen-sind/
[2] https://www.schoen-klinik.de/burnout
[3] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn-out
[4] https://www.neurologen-und-psychiater-im-netz.org/psychiatrie-psychosomatik-psychotherapie/stoerungen-erkrankungen/burnout-syndrom/
[5] https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/bitstream/11475/740/1/ba0211.pdf
[6] https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/was-ist-ein-burnout.html
[7] https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Burnout-Syndrom
[8] https://www.hirslanden.ch/de/corporate/krankheitsbilder/burnout.html

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