What Exactly is Burnout?
We’ve all experienced burnout – that feeling of exhaustion or overwhelm to the point of paralysis. It can be experienced mentally, physically, or sometimes both. In this article, Candice Marie Sellers, B.S. RDMS, shares her personal experience with burnout, and the tactics she used to turn it around.
Article Summary and Key Takeaways:
- Manage Stress – Breathing, exercise, meditation; find the method that works for you
- Set Boundaries – Define and communicate your limits
- Seek Support – Build the coalition you can fall back on
As an ultrasound student, experiencing burnout is quite common. The demands of the program can become very overwhelming at times. There is so much information that the student has to process and master in a short period of time. During the program students will have to learn Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, and many pathologies. In addition, the sonography student will have to master proper scanning techniques in order to obtain diagnostic images. Burnout can also be experienced in the work environment. When someone is faced with a season of much difficulty and they feel hopeless, there are a few tips that can be applied to help.
My Burnout Experience
Let’s just say that I have had many moments of burnout! Navigating through my ultrasound school journey, becoming a single parent, and the loss of employment just to name a few. These experiences left me with feelings of so much stress and frustration. At times I would simply shut down and isolate. Over time, I began to realize that this method of coping was not helping me in any way. I started to find healthier strategies to help me navigate through those times such as learning how to manage stress by setting boundaries and self-care. I began to exercise regularly and this helped tremendously!
Stress Management
Stress management is extremely important when talking about preventing burnout. Finding the best ways to help with the management of stress can be different for many people. Some find exercising to be beneficial, like I did. We all will experience some form of stress in life. However, when it’s prolonged without intervention, there are physical and emotional manifestations that become detrimental to your overall health. The development of headaches, loss of concentration, fatigue, and stomach issues just to name a few. Taking care of your mind is essential. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can go a long way. Oftentimes the busyness of the world and the intrusiveness of social media has an impact on our stress levels. Simply taking frequent time-outs to meditate, breathe, and stretching can
assist with calming your mind.
Setting Boundaries
If you operate along the line of being a perfectionist or a people-pleaser, you may be more susceptible to burnout due to overworking and overcommitting yourself. Boundaries are limits or personal parameters that are necessary to communicate in order to inform others of how much we are willing to do or tolerate. In the work setting, not taking breaks, agreeing to work extra hours, and signing up for additional projects can make you feel overwhelmed over time. At first, you may feel like you are making your manager or co-workers happy. However, at some point, those feelings of frustration and resentment can set in. Therefore, setting boundaries can help to combat unnecessary burnout.
Seek Support
Another excellent way to assist with experiencing burnout is to have a solid support system. As mentioned previously, when you are faced with a stressful season you can feel isolated. Having just one person whether it’s a family member or close friend to talk with can help relieve some of the pressure. Communicating with others helps to bring a different perspective or outlook to a situation. If you don’t have that friend or family member to reach out to remember that professional counseling can be an option.
Summary
We understand that burnout is a cycle of emotional, physical, and mental stress that causes one to depersonalize and feel overwhelmed. However, knowing that there are tips and resources available to help you manage those difficult times are reassuring. You are not alone on your journey to success. Remember to stay positive and keep moving forward!