|
|
|
|
A&M Home>>
SCS Home>>
Self-Help>>
Infosheets>>
Burn-Out>>
|
- Recognize the problem. Watch for signs of stress such as
forgetfulness, fatigue, sleeplessness, changes in appetite, increased
physical sickness like colds and headaches, withdrawal from social
situations, increased mood swings or emotional outbursts.
- Balance your lifestyle. People subject to negative stress
are often perfectionists, idealists, and workaholics, who can never
really please themselves. Identify other areas in you life you would
like to develop besides your career, then get involved in some stress-
relieving activities.
- Build positive social supports, and control negativity in your
environment. Seek out projects in which you'll work with people
who have a positive attitude. If you have to work with a negative
person, limit the amount of time you must spend with the person, and
stick to those limits. Look for positive affiliations in your social
relationships or club memberships.
- Gain control where you can. Ask to be involved in decisions
that affect you. Seeking flexible hours for work to accommodate your
needs for exercise, for example, may also be an option. If you are
not in control of your schedule, ask for help. Asserting yourself
and expressing your needs help reduce the negative emotions of fear
and anger.
- Work smarter and not longer. Begin with staying and ending
on time with all appointments. Schedule realistic breaks between working
or studying. Allow yourself enough time to get to places. Pressuring
yourself with tight deadlines increases stress and reduces you effectiveness.
- Quit doing something. If you are overcommitted, say "no"
and mean it the next time you are asked to do another favor that will
greatly raise your stress level. If possible, cut activities out of
your schedule that are causing you stress.
- Control thoughts that you are indispensable. To control stress,
you must learn to accept your mortality, your vulnerability, and your
limits.
- Employ personal strategies to avoid or cope with burnout.
Do something for yourself each day. Eat well and get enough sleep.
View mistakes and setbacks as learning experiences. Acknowledge your
strengths and achievements, and reward yourself. Identify your life
purpose, and pursue activities that are compatible with your mission.
- Employ interpersonal strategies. Identify the people, places,
and activities in your life that make you feel good. Stay away from
relationships that drain you.
- Use stress-management techniques. Fantasize a mini-vacation.
Take a break during your day and close your eyes, imagining yourself
in a favorite peaceful place. Go to the beach and feel the sand and
warmth of the sun. Listen to the birds and the waves. See the calm
beach scene. Five minutes there, and you will be mentally and physically
relaxed.
- Do what you love, or get career counseling. If we work too
hard at what we love, we get tired. The solution to that is rest.
If you are not happy with what you are doing, you may need to look
for something else.
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
The HelpLine will be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays from Wednesday, 11/25 through Sunday, 11/29 at 2:00 p.m.
(11/29/2009)
|
|
|
© 2009 TAMU Student Counseling Service
|