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There are quite a few indicators signaling that we increasingly need to rethink our (lack of) time-outs, but arguably the most alarming ones are found in the workplace. According to SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 research series, 44% of the 1,405 surveyed U.S. employees feel burned out at work, 45% feel "emotionally drained" from their work, and 51% feel "used up" at the end of the workday.
And these things can seriously impact our well-being.
"Some of the signs that we are burned out include physical pain, increased mental health symptoms such as depression or anxiety, feeling a lot more lethargic or tired, or decreased motivation for things that we used to look forward to, as well as feeling irritable and resentful about things we need to do such as our job/work, housework, parenting, etc.," psychotherapist, author, and educator Kaytee Gillis, who specializes in helping people recover from trauma in families and relationships, told Bored Panda.
The SHRM data echoes previous research, including the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, in which 92% of workers stated that it is very or somewhat important for them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being. However, at the same time, 57% reported experiencing many of the negative effects of burnout that Gillis just mentioned.
While we all go through hardship, not everyone handles it the same. Our coping mechanisms can be classified as active or avoidant.
Active coping means that a person recognizes the source of their stress and takes steps to change the situation or the way they respond to it.
Avoidant coping, on the other hand, occurs when a person ignores the root problem that causes them stress.
"Some common unhealthy coping skills include substance misuse and isolation," Gillis, author of Breaking the Cycle: the 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma, said.
"However, many things can be an unhealthy coping skill if used in an unhealthy way or a way that contributes to avoidance. For example, exercise or video games can both be a fun way to de-stress, but both can also be unhealthy when used in excess."
Gillis said, "The best way to recover [from burnout] is to get a break!"
"I understand that isn't always feasible or realistic, but a break can also look like decreasing the workload by delegating some tasks to other people, asking for help with housework or parenting, or taking a couple of days (or more!) off when you can get an actual break."
"Also, increase self-care, such as eating meals, drinking water, moving your body in ways that feel good, and taking care of other needs that are often neglected when we are stressed," the psychotherapist added.
It can take time to become aware of and unlearn negative coping mechanisms. Initially, you'll need to be intentional about incorporating positive coping strategies into your daily life, and this may require considerable effort. However, over time, these responses will become more automatic. For now, let's finish the list!