Odds are, you know someone who has experienced burnout—or you’ve experienced it yourself. Feeling burned out is incredibly common, affecting millions of Americans each year.

Since many of us are working from home these days, the lines between work and home life may have blurred, which can make burnout even more likely. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham offers some insight.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is not a medical condition, but it is a reaction to being overstressed. It’s defined as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.”

This stress can be work-related, but stress related to your home life, relationships, caregiving or even a lack of work/life balance can also lead to a feeling of being burned out.

Symptoms of Burnout

• Fatigue
• Frequent illness and a diminished immune system
• Frequent headaches
• GI issues
• Changes in sleep or dietary habits
• Sense of failure
• Feelings of helplessness
• Loss of motivation

How Can I Avoid Burnout?

Because burnout can have serious effects on your physical and mental health, it’s important to find ways to lower your risk. That means finding healthy ways to handle stress so that it doesn’t become chronic or overwhelming.

It can be common to turn to food, drugs or alcohol when you’re feeling stressed, but that can actually worsen your stress and harm your body.

Healthy Ways to Avoid Burnout

• Talk with your manager about your work and any issues you’re facing.
• Create and maintain boundaries between your personal life and your work, even if you’re working from home.
• Build relationships with your coworkers and engage with them often.
• Share what you’re experiencing with others, including your family and friends.
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes most days.
• Prioritize sleep and rest.

Feeling less than your best? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham or stop by today to get the care you need from the comfort of home.