After the busy period passes, I always seem to catch a cold and feel burned out. Consequently, I haven’t been able to write blog posts for a while, as I couldn’t think of anything related to my beloved blog due to my burnout. So, I’m going to write about burnout in this blog.
How to say burnout in Japanese?
In Japanese, we use the term “Moetsuki Shoukougun” (燃え尽き症候群) to refer to burnout. The meaning is almost the same as in English. 燃え (moe) means to burn, 尽き (tsuki) means out, and 症候群 (shoukougun) translates to syndrome.
Understanding Burnout Syndrome
Burnout syndrome is a condition of long-lasting physical and emotional exhaustion that can happen to anyone, no matter what they do or where they come from. In today’s fast-paced society, it has unfortunately become quite common.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
When I experience burnout, I often feel frustrated and end up saying things to the people around me that I don’t mean. Recognizing the need to prioritize self-care, I made the decision to seek help and consulted a doctor. Taking this step was significant, but essential for my overall well-being.
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of burnout early on to prevent it from worsening. Some common signs include persistent fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, and decreased productivity. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to take action to address them.
The signs of burnout in Japanese
| 疲れがつづく /tsukaɾe ga tsuzuku/ | Constant fatigue |
| 眠れない /nemuɾenai/ | Lack of sleep |
| ずっと眠い /zutto nemui/ | Sleepy all time |
| 落ち込む /otʃikomu/ | Depression |
Coping Strategies for Burnout
There are several strategies that can help individuals cope with burnout and regain their well-being. These include:
- Prioritizing self-care: Taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation is crucial. This can include exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
- Setting boundaries: Learning to say no and establishing clear boundaries in both personal and professional life can help avoid excessive stress and overwhelm.
- Seeking support: Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide valuable support and guidance during times of burnout.
- Taking breaks: Regular breaks throughout the day, as well as vacations and time off, are essential for recharging and rejuvenating your mind and body.
The coping of burnout in Japanese
| 他人と線を引く /tanin to sen o hiku/ | Setting boundaries to others |
| 助けを求める /tasuke o motomeɾu/ | Seek a support |
| 休む /jasumu/ | Take a break |
In my case, I talked about my situation to the psychologist. It could be just complaints about my boss and my partner, but it was important to talk about something in the third person.
Also, I had gastroenteritis around that time, so I focused on my stomach ache and could forget about my anger. You don’t have to experience food poisoning, but what I want to convey is the importance of taking a break from work and doing something that allows you to concentrate.
Preventing Burnout
Prevention is key when it comes to burnout. Some preventive measures you can take include:
- Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.
- Balancing work and personal life by setting realistic expectations and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Seeking professional help or counselling if needed.
Build up small happiness day by day
Building up small happiness day by day 小さな幸せを日々積み重ねる（tʃiːsana ʃiawase o hibi tsumikasaneɾu）is important for well-being.
I think everyone has their own special moment of joy. For me, it’s all about using a favourite pen and writing something on high-quality paper. It brings me so much happiness, even though my handwriting may not be the best. But, it’s my little joy and that’s all that matters!
