As a “People First” organization, you know that the short term and long term effects of stress are top of mind for the TTI SI team. We’re all aware the last six months have dramatically changed the way we work, the way we interact with others, and perhaps our own relationships with ourselves.
We’ve covered ways to make stress work for you, how to adapt during crisis by DISC behavior, remote work productivity tips, adapting communication in response to COVID-19, everything you need to know about the Stress Quotient assessment, and even in the early days pre-pandemic, how to prepare your business for COVID with a People First approach.
However, all of the resources in the world can’t prevent an inevitable amount of stress. No matter how well informed or prepared you are, you’re going to feel the effects of stress, especially in such a long-term stressful situation. This stress can often lead to burnout, which is dangerous for mental and physical health.
What Is Burnout?
Brain burnout isn’t the same thing as being overly stressed. It can be caused by prolonged periods of being stressed; however, the symptoms must be different.
“Burnout is most commonly seen in people who are overworked or are having difficulty separating their home and work life,” says Dr. Ron Bonnstetter, Senior Vice President of Research and Development. “Unlike general stress, brain burnout manifests as emotional damage, suppression, detachment, and depression.”
“Burnout is most commonly seen in people who are overworked or are having difficulty separating their home and work life.”
Since so many people have been working remotely and are struggling to adjust, burnout is on the rise. It’s not something to take lightly.
What’s the Difference Between Extroversion and Introversion?
Extroverts
Are energized from other people and the world around them. They enjoy expressing themselves, communicating with others, making connections, talking through problems, and are relatively optimistic, according to Healthline. Extroverts might be Direct, Outgoing, Dynamic, and Pioneering, or some combination of those traits.
Introverts
Are energized from their own presence. They prefer time alone, careful consideration, avoiding conflict, and lots of ‘me’ time. Introverts might be Reflective, Reserved, Steady, or Precise, or again, some combination of those traits.
It’s important to remember that DISC does not measure introversion or extroversion. Influence and Steadiness are people-oriented, while Dominance and Compliance are goal-oriented. The communication styles we listed above are common examples, but there are no hard rules, only patterns to observe.
What Does Burnout Look Like for Extroverts?
“Extroverts begin to suffer burnout most often when their work and or personal relationships are stressed or hampered,” explained Dr. Bonnstetter. “This can be when they're unable to meet, connect, and enjoy the company of friends, family, and co-workers on a regular basis.”
They often begin to feel emotionally off and struggle with tiredness, emotionally blunted, and depression.
How Can Extroverts Fight Burnout?
A big way Extroverts can fight burnout is by acknowledging their own feelings and communicating with others. Making genuine emotional connections right now is more important than ever; call an old friend, reconnect with friends in a socially distant hang, or write some letters.
When it comes to acknowledging your feelings, that self awareness is more important than ever. The emotional bluntness or numbness might feel like coping, but it actually means you are ignoring your feelings. Shoving down emotions will only speed up the process towards burnout.
Increase your self awareness and let yourself feel your feelings! Remember that all feelings end eventually, so even if things feel particularly bleak right now, it’s going to change in the future.
What Does Burnout Look Like for Introverts?
Introverts begin to suffer burnout when their daily routines or work and life balance are disrupted for extended periods of time. This is obviously and unfortunately something we have all been handling for the last six months.
When this happens, introverts often begin to feel a lack of motivation. they struggle with creativity and new ideas, and can begin to feel a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. These feelings result in anxiety, depression and a heightened sense of dread.
How Can Introverts Fight Burnout?
Introverts suffering from a lack of routine need to take matters into their own hands! Wake up at the same time, take a lunch break away from your work, exercise and handle chores, and make sure to actually sign off from work when your day is done. The stricter you can be with your day-to-day, the better off you’ll be.
Another way introverts can battle burnout is to give their creativity a boost. Their internal world is very important, since that is precisely where Introverts gather their energy.
Try to tackle creative blocks by learning an entirely new skill! Studying a different language, taking up painting or sculpting, or trying to teach yourself a complicated recipe are all mindful, grounding activities, and might subconsciously get the creative juices flowing.
What Else Can You Do to Fight Burnout?
Introverts and extroverts alike need to handle their stress before it results in true brain burnout. The good news is that you’ve already got started by reading these tips!
In this time, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. Stigmas around therapy and psychiatry have improved in recent years, but are not entirely eliminated. If you’re struggling right now, seek out the help of a professional.
Just in the same way we get regular physicals at the general practitioner, regular check ups for mental health are a great proactive measure!
In light of other problems, it’s all too easy to shrug off our own inner turmoil. However, doing that will result in burnout, which has physical, mental, and emotional ramifications. Take care of yourself right now, so you can handle whatever life throws at you in the future.
