Chronic interpersonal stressors on the job can result in burnout. According to professor Christina Maslach, Ph.D., key signs of burnout are overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from your job – these are symptoms that are often accompanied by a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.

Here are three warning signs to look for along with steps to take to avoid burning out yourself – or those around you.

1. Persistent complaints.If there is something you find yourself frequently complaining about, either address it head-on to resolve, or find a way to let it go. If neither of these seems like an option, reach out to a friend or seek help from a professional. Be aware of you inner dialog – it impacts your energy and it is more transparent than you think.
2. Increased belligerence.Look out for nonconstructive, reactive patterns of engaging with colleagues or family members. Is your temper running short? Have you noticed that you are more impatient, aggressive, rigid or erratic? Take a moment to zoom-out and reflect on the bigger picture because on the other side of cynicism is courage. Where can you make a positive impact? What can you do to make a difference?
3. Do you feel lonely or disconnected? If you no longer care about work, your health and/or relationships; if you catch yourself being disparaging, distrustful and pessimistic, force yourself to get physical and social.  Disrupt your pattern by stepping outside your comfort zone; the importance of this cannot be overstated! It is also helpful to have mental tools to take a step back and reframe. Connect With Your Vitality and Start Thriving workbook is designed to stimulate mental and emotional energy and inspire a new kind of engagement.

Visit Alpha Element to find out more about platform for communication and health

To learn more about how Alpha Element platform tools can help prevent burnout check out our spring 2018 training schedule. Choose from four convenient dates. 

Alpha Element curriculum provides business professionals with new tools, insight and strategies. In clinical settings, our focus on communication and patterns of engagement helps redirect client attention from pathology to vitality and proactive behavior. Mental health professional earn 6 CEU credits. Contact [email protected] for more information.