Are you feeling rundown and discouraged? It can be tricky to differentiate between these two emotional states, but it’s essential to recognize the distinction between being tired and being fed up.
On the surface, both can seem quite similar. However, there are some critical ways in which they differ. To understand your current emotional state, let’s examine the difference between tiredness and fed–upness.
Tiredness is a physical symptom, usually associated with feeling fatigued, lack of energy, and a need for rest. Being fed up is an emotional state of frustration, resentment, or anger where one has had enough of a situation or person.
You know you’re fed up when…
You lose enthusiasm: People experiencing burnout often exhibit a decrease in enthusiasm for tasks and activities they used to be passionate about. This could include hobbies and even work they once loved. Yes, you can get fed up with hobbies too.
You become more irritable: If you become increasingly irritable, particularly when anything related to your job or other stressful tasks comes up, you’re probably fed up. They may also become more easily frustrated and express that frustration outwardly.
You’re constantly exhausted: Feeling exhausted and drained regularly is a common sign of burnout. This can be physically and mentally draining, decreasing energy and motivation.
You’re doing less: When people are fed up, their productivity tends to suffer. This might include not meeting deadlines and producing lower-quality work than usual.
You’ve checked out mentally: You’re fed up when you feel emotionally disconnected from your job or other activities. This detachment can leave you feeling apathetic, unmotivated, and disinterested.
We can blame our fed-upness on many things – I mean, frustration doth abound in many a workplace. But when you know for sure you are ready to throw in the towel, it’s usually one of these things.
1. Unclear or Unrealistic Expectations: When expectations are not clearly defined or too high, it’s understandable that you become overwhelmed and fed up with your job or project. Sometimes unrealistic expectations are set without considering your capabilities, which usually creates stress and frustration.
2. Lack of Resources: If you aren’t provided with the resources you need to do the job, it can be disheartening and leave you feeling fed up. This could include inadequate funding, lack of personnel, limited access to technology, or even inadequate support from your supervisors.
3. No Autonomy: A lack of autonomy can leave you feeling helpless and without control of your work. This could happen when you are being micromanaged or forced to take orders from higher-ups or feeling restricted from working in a more efficient way.
4. Repetitive Tasks: Sometimes, when we get repetitive tasks or duties that don’t challenge us, it can lead to boredom and stagnation. This can make the job seem less meaningful and lead to a sense of being trapped and fed up with the job.
5. Unfulfilling Rewards: When we are not adequately rewarded or recognized for our work, it can make us feel like the job isn’t worth the effort, and we can become fed up. Rewards could come in recognition, promotions, bonuses, or simply appreciation.
Okay, so you’re fed up. What can you do (besides quitting)?
Take Breaks: One of the best ways to cope with burnout is to take breaks throughout the day. Vacations allow you to step away from work and reset your mind, giving yourself much-needed mental and physical restoration. Scheduling regular breaks throughout the day can help you stay fresh, focused, and productive.
Reach Out for Support: Burnout can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Reaching out to family, friends, or colleagues can be a great way to find support and solace. Talking through your feelings can help you gain perspective, process your emotions, and develop strategies to cope with burnout.
Find Meaning In Your Work: Finding purpose and meaning in your work can help motivate you and make it more enjoyable. Take some time to reflect on why you do what you do and how it is helping others or making a difference in the world. This can help you find a sense of pride and satisfaction that will help make the work more rewarding.
Change Your Environment: Sometimes, working in the same environment can become mundane and demotivating. Changing up your workspace by getting out of the office, going to a coffee shop, taking your laptop to the park, or even moving around your office can help make things feel more exciting and inspiring.
Quitting may be easy, but it may not be the answer.
Burnout is a feeling of being overwhelmed, overworked, and disconnected from our goals and passion.
When feeling burnout, it is important to take control of our lives and emotions, as well as adjust our mindset before it impacts our professional and personal relationships.
Making conscious decisions to take breaks, prioritize self-care, and find ways to reduce stress can be practical steps in combating burnout and restoring our physical and mental well-being. Taking control of how we respond and manage our lives is essential to restoring balance and achieving success.
