We all expect to feel some degree of heat during the summer months, but what does it mean to just feel “burnout”?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. It can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or lifestyle.

Even with many of us working from home, it may seem like the benefits should outweigh the bad, but this could also mean the exact opposite.

What if you were someone who would leave the stress of the office at work? Now you have just invited that stress into your home. Or what if by working from home, your boss now assumes this means you have made yourself available at all hours of the day?  

Summer has been known to exacerbate the burnout feeling. Causing people to experience these emotions even more intensely during the hotter months of the year.

Some reasons why people may feel a heightened sense of burnout during the summer include:

1. Increased Workload: In some professions or industries, summer can be a busier period, leading to increased work demands and pressure to meet deadlines before vacations or the end of the fiscal year.

2. Vacation Pressure: While vacations can be a great way to recharge, the pressure to plan and take time off during the summer months can be stressful. Coordinating schedules with colleagues, managing workloads before and after vacation, and dealing with work-related anxiety while away can contribute to burnout.

3. Weather and Climate: High temperatures and humidity during the summer can be physically draining, making it more challenging to stay focused and productive. Heat-related discomfort can also affect sleep quality and overall well-being.

4. Family Commitments: For families, summer often means school breaks and additional family commitments, which can add to an already demanding schedule and lead to feelings of overwhelm.

5. Social Expectations: Summer is associated with various social activities, events, and gatherings, which can be fun but also exhausting for introverted individuals or those experiencing burnout.

6. Comparison and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Seeing others' enjoyable summer experiences on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, fueling a desire to "do it all" and participate in every summer activity, potentially contributing to burnout.

7. Change in Routine: For those with structured routines during other parts of the year, the more relaxed or disrupted summer schedule can lead to feelings of disorganization and stress.

It's important to be aware of these potential triggers and take proactive steps to manage stress and prevent burnout during the summer.

In our next blog we will focus on signs you may be experiencing burnout and what you can do to maintain and overcome this uncomfortable emotion.