Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Globally, healthcare systems have been experiencing an exponential increase in demand and Physiotherapy as a profession is no exception to this. That’s not to say that there shouldn’t be any occupational stress, often it is inevitable and sometimes necessary. But heightened demands may manifest themselves in a manner of ways – physical, mental, or emotional…and consequently, may contribute to a clinically recognised feeling or experience known as ‘burnout’.

‘Burnout’ is commonly recognised as a syndrome that results from chronic work-related stressors that are not being successfully managed and result in an array of dysfunction. It is most experienced in people-facing occupations due to the empathic involvement required to assist in alleviating the person’s distress in front of you.

Subsequently, it may lead to:

• Feelings of exhaustion, whether that be physical, emotional, or otherwise
• Feelings of detachment or negativity towards your work
• Reduced professional efficacy
• A detrimental knock-on effect from your work life into your personal life

Previously, a condition of this kind would often be swept under the carpet given workplace environments in the modern world. However, increasing awareness of not only the signs and symptoms but the multifaceted strategies available to manage burnout, have allowed individuals and teams to address the proverbial elephant in the room. Burnout is experienced on a spectrum, and early signs are often missed or ignored as individuals apply persistence rather than resilience.

Some of these may be:

• Change in affection or engagement towards your place of work, colleagues, or patients
• Increased feelings of exhaustion, stagnation, or procrastination
• Lack of ‘occupational flow’ or feelings of personal accomplishment
• Increased headaches, physical lethargy, or even gastrointestinal issues

Given the multifactorial contributions that are likely to co-exist, it is likely that you will have to mix short term fixes with long term adaptation to ‘find yourself’ - your identity is the same, it’s simply hiding within the controlled chaos. The most important factor to remember is that you are in control; you can initiate the change within your environment that you desire. That doesn’t mean you have to be a ‘leader’ and facilitate the change, but you have an important role in helping to establish solutions for yourself…and those around you.

There is a multitude of strategies available - here are 5 of my favourites:

1. Taking regular breaks: it is always tempting to push on when you’re overwhelmed, but you forgo the opportunity to take a step back, process and reflect, which is critical to the learning process. By giving yourself this time, you can also increase your productivity and efficiency, creating more time for the things that are important to you.
2. Compare variables versus constants: if you don’t do the work today, will it still be there tomorrow? Yes. If you don’t exercise/eat well/get enough sleep today, can you make up for that tomorrow? Probably not. Shift your mindset.
3. Talk to someone, and listen actively: they may be a mentor, a colleague, a family member, or a friend, but reaching out early may allow you to take control back before hitting the crisis threshold point. Listen to what they have to say, engage with their thoughts and perspective - don’t be reactive. Be proactive!
4. Focus on what is important: not only within your workplace but also outside of it. What does the bigger picture look like? What is the end goal? Is there possibly some overlap between contributing factors? Ask these important questions of yourself.
5. Reflect: you clearly love your job…otherwise you wouldn’t still be there. Take a step back, celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your challenges - and outline how you can proactively turn these into success stories.

There are many ways to prevent or manage burnout, not only in yourself but also in those around you. What are you doing to ensure your candle burns brighter and longer?

By Matthew Bruno, TLP Member

#learnandgiveback