In our busy work lives, we have so much to keep track of daily that we often experience a significant level of work-related stress. This stress can lead to an overburdened mindset that impacts both mental and physical health.
Workplace mental exhaustion has become so prevalent that tools like the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory exist to assess personal and work-related burnout.
To avoid experiencing burnout and developing health issues, it’s important to proactively deal with workplace stress and the feelings of being overburdened. As a certified professional co-active coach, I work with individuals struggling with mental health at work because of the demands placed on them.
I help them to create a mental and cultural shift to ease the overburdened mind.
Are You Feeling Overburdened and Overworked?
You may be struggling with too much to handle in your work life and home life. You may feel as though you are drowning in responsibilities with no relief in sight. This can cause:
- Insomnia
- Lack of focus
- Isolation
- Accident while driving or operating equipment
- Being unable to shut off your mind and relax at home
- Anxiety when you’re at work
How To Reframe These Feelings and Adopt a Different Mindset
If this is your experience, know that you are not alone. Many American workers struggle with these and similar issues. However, you have the power to reframe your feelings and put them in a context that makes them easier to manage. If your feelings continually run away from you and spiral into a swirl of panic, it’s time to rein them in and gain a sense of perspective.
By adopting a different mindset, you can rescue yourself from the chaos your overburdened mindset has created and take concrete steps to ease your burden.
Five Keys to Reframe Your Overburdened Mindset at Work
I am not saying that your workplace stress isn’t real. It is real, and it’s directly related to your mental exhaustion.
What I am suggesting is that you can take a level of control over the situation by creating a cultural shift first within you, and eventually in the office on a larger scale. Creating a more positive work environment begins with you taking care of yourself.
These are the five keys to reframe an overburdened mindset:
1. Realize You’re Human
You’re doing the best that you can, but you have limits. Despite the demands placed on you, you can do only so much, and that’s perfectly understandable.
2. Ask For Help
If the workload is heavy and the demands unreasonable, ask for assistance. It’s entirely possible that your managers do not realize they’re demanding so much.
3. Take Breaks
Getting up for a quick walk to clear your head can do wonders to relieve an overburdened mindset. It also brings you physical benefits and can help you relax.
4. Forgive Yourself
Life happens, and some days you will not be able to accomplish everything you set out to do. Forgive yourself and move on.
5. Add Something Calming To Your Space
Whether it’s a lava lamp, photos of favorite people or places, or natural elements like plants or rocks, add something to your workspace to help calm and center you.
Support Co-Workers Who Are Struggling
Again, you are not alone in your struggles. Many of your co-workers may also be experiencing an overburdened mindset. You may even recognize symptoms of mental exhaustion in them because they look a great deal like your symptoms.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a struggling coworker in a positive, non-threatening way. For example, you may inform them that you’re taking a five-minute walking break and invite them to join you. Or you can offer praise on a job well done. Even a simple smile can reduce tension and create a more positive work environment.
Small cultural shifts can make a big impact over time. Begin to shift your overburdened mindset into a more empowered outlook. Little by little, and step by step, you’ll not only experience a positive shift within yourself, but you may see a positive change in your workplace, too.If you need help with the five keys listed in this article, or any other area of your life, please contact me. I am here to assist.