Webster describes burnout as, “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually because of prolonged stress or frustration.”
Chances are, you (or someone close to you) have dealt with the feelings described above. At one point or another, we will all experience burnout, but the most important thing is how we deal with it when it comes.
Introverts- Recharge by being away from other people, as in, “I’m staying home tonight!”
Extroverts- Recharge by being with other people, as in, “(sigh) I’m staying home tonight…”
Burnout be caused by not properly tending to one’s own needs and preferences.
For example, being an introvert or extrovert plays a big part in preventing feelings of stress and being overwhelmed. I say this because I went through many days of “burnout” before I realized that I was in fact, an introvert.
This took me quite a while to realize. I am not shy, and I like interacting with people, so I always assumed that I was an extrovert. I could never figure out why I was so drained after going out.
One day, my professor called herself a social introvert, I thought, “what in the world is that?” Out of curiosity, I looked it up…finally, I had a description that matched what I felt!
Social introverts enjoy being around people and going places. They are often very bubbly, outgoing, and talkative. Although, when they are around people for a bit, they need time to be alone and recharge.
I am a social introvert, someone who recharges by being away from people, and I work in PR, a field that is BASED on interaction with others. Some days, I don’t get much of a recharge.
So, what do I do then?
To all you introverts out there who are in the field of communications, you are NOT alone.
What to do when you feel “burnt out”:
Find some place to be alone. Go somewhere private on your lunch break. You could go to a nearby park, or just sit in a quiet room somewhere in the office. Get out of the office if you can, your body will thank you for the rest you gave it. Worse comes to worse, go to the bathroom. Having that short time to be alone in your own confined space is beneficial. Also, no one can follow you or request you to do something while you are there.
Listen to music (if you can). What music relaxes you? If it is appropriate, and you can play it, why not?I personally prefer jazz when needing some relaxing music to help my brain decompress. Check out “Lazy Jazz Cat” on Spotify.
Remember that you don’t always have to be the one speaking. I often feel obligated to give advice or state my opinion when a person is talking to me about something. It is perfectly okay just to listen. You only need to reply if what they say requires your response. Don’t over exhaust yourself when it isn’t necessary.
Remember the golden rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” When I feel burnout, I tend to be snappier at others. It helps me if I remind myself of this rule, and that it is not their fault. Be gracious, kind and patient with people; even if it feels a little fake that day, they will remember how you treated them.
Being burnt out is not fun, thankfully there are measures we can take beforehand that can prevent it. At White Oak Advertising and Public Relations, we can help you so that you will not feel overwhelmed and “burned out” while trying to advertise your business/company.
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
-Eleanor Brown