At the beginning of a burnout syndrome, it is first useful to determine the causes of the burnout syndrome as accurately as possible through a situation analysis, so that these can be specifically prevented. Expectations of the job should be reviewed to uncover any unrealistic demands and to set new, realistic goals.To prevent burnout syndrome, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Nutrition
- Malnutrition
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Tobacco (smoking)
- Physical activity
- Psycho-social situation
- Too high demands and expectations of themselves
- Helper syndrome – there is an attempt to compensate for experiences of failure and failed attention in childhood through their own social activity.
- Exaggerated ambition, perfectionism.
- Psychological workloads due to time pressure, high workloads (lack of influence on the organization of work) or conflicts with superiors or colleagues.
- Not enough sleep (the more rested you are, the easier it is to cope with the demands of the job).
- Night or shift work
- Private conflicts
- Stress
Other risk factors
- Professions that involve working on or with people, e.g., nursing professions, medical professions.
Preventive measures
By learning and consistently applying relaxation training – e.g. autogenic training, yoga – stress can be better countered.On the part of the employer, restructuring measures and supervision can help to counteract the development of burnout syndrome in employees.
Other factors that counteract the risk of burnout are sports, social contacts and meditation.
