SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/605094
FROM THE SIDELINES B urnout is defined as physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. Here are ways to identify the early warning signs of burnout: High levels of stress or anxiety. Feeling frequently on edge, with adrenaline constantly coursing through your body. Lack of engagement. You don't feel motivated at work. You have difficulty focus- ing or exhibit a short attention span. Increased cynicism. Feelings of resent- ment or disconnection. You may notice yourself being more negative and cynical. Feeling cranky and defensive or snapping at people easily. You don't make time to talk on the phone or connect with the people who matter most to you. If you're feeling a lot of resentment toward others, chances are it's because you're not getting your needs met and you're on the path to burnout. Distracted eating. You eat your meals in front of a computer, television or while on the go (in the car, standing up, etc.) Not getting enough sleep. The suggested minimum amount of sleep is 7-8 hours each night; if you're getting less than this, you risk some level of burn out. Low energy and exhaustion. You're tired. Not just sleepy tired, but emotionally fatigued. You may feel exhausted by the end of the day, with no energy left to exercise or even engage with others, you just want to crash and watch television or zone out in some other way. Never enough time. You feel as though you're always in a hurry and never have enough time for all the things you're trying to accomplish each day. Excessive worrying, high level of self- criticism. Your mind cycles through the same worry filled thoughts again and again and you can't seem to stop. The critical voice in your head is very loud, telling you constantly to do more, work harder, and no matter what you accomplish, you're still not doing enough. There is no self-compassionate voice to bal- ance out the critical voice, or if there is, it is very weak and you can barely hear it. Physical illness. Initially, the physical symptoms can be subtle. You may experience headaches, a persistent cold, have a stomach bug or an upset stomach frequently, or a weak immune system in general. If early signs are ignored, your body may hit a wall and receive a more serious diagnosis. Numb feelings. Increase in addictive behavior. Initially, this can show up as an excessive dependence on caffeine and/or sugar to stay alert and boost energy when feeling low. As things progress, an increased depen- dence on drugs, alcohol, eating comfort foods or watching more television than usual can be signs you're burning out and using these cop- ing mechanisms to avoid acknowledging how you really feel. Inefficacy. Experiencing diminished personal accomplishment, a perceived decline in competence or productivity, and expending energy at work without seeing any results. No breaks or vacation. You can't remember the last time you took a single day off just to relax and do nothing. Or perhaps you haven't had a vacation in more than 6 or even 12 months. Not enough exercise. You aren't making as much time to exercise or move your body as you would like. This information provided by Vanessa Loder from Forbes.com and appeared in the November issue of STMA News Online . Eric Schroder Editorial Director Eschroder@epgmediallc.com 717-805-4197 6 SportsTurf | December 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com EPG Media & Specialty Information 10405 6th Ave. N., Ste 210 Plymouth, MN 55441 The Official Publication Of The Sports Turf Managers Association SALES REPRESENTATIVES Chris Pelikan Senior Account Manager - East Phone: (954) 964-8676 cpelikan@epgmediallc.com Peggy Tupper Senior Account Manager - Mid-West Phone: (763) 383-4429 ptupper@epgmediallc.com Leslie Palmer Senior Account Manager - West Phone: (248) 731-7596 lpalmer@epgmediallc.com EDITORIAL Group Publisher: David Voll Editorial Director: Eric Schroder Technical Editor: Dr. Joey Young Art Director: Brian Snook Production Manager: Karen Kalinyak SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Phone: (845) 856-2229 Fax: (847) 763-9569 customerservice@epgmediallc.com REPRINTS Robin Cooper rcooper@epgmediallc.com GROUP PUBLISHER David Voll dvoll@epgmediallc.com DIRECT MAIL LIST SALES MeritDirect, Jim Scova Phone: (914) 368-1012 jscova@MeritDirect.com Publisher's Notice: We Assume No Responsibility For The Validity Of Claims In Connection With Items Appearing In Sportsturf. Reader Service Numbers Are Given To Facilitate Further Inquiry. Mention Of A Commercial Product Does Not Imply Endorsement By Sportsturf Or EPG Media & Specialty Information, Or Preference Over Similar Products Not Mentioned. ARE YOU BURNED OUT?