Does the phrase "I'm terribly exhausted" ring a bell for you? We often express our level of fatigue, however, it is important to distinguish between different degrees of exhaustion. Below you will learn the difference between exhaustion, chronic fatigue, managerial illness and burnout.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not the same as general fatigue syndrome. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are characterized by energization, moodlessness, lack of strength and general exhaustion. Their fatigue takes on dimensions that are challenging their performance of everyday tasks. Exhaustion of people with CFS is not alleviated by sleep and rest. A common accompanying symptom is muscle weakness, joint pain, muscle spasms and intense headaches. There is no scientific consensus on the root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some hypotheses suggest it may be caused by a viral infection, while others believe it may be caused by a disease affecting the immune system. One thing is for sure, stress is one of the major causes, but make sure to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of CFS.
Symptoms of the CFS may be:
Manager’s disease develops as a result of chronic stress in the long term. It is named after the high proportion of managers in middle and senior management positions. Of course, anyone with chronic stress-related illness can be affected, not exclusively by the managers themselves. Burnout syndrome and managerial disease, described in detail below, are often accompanied by each other. It is important to seek the help of a specialist in the treatment of managerial disease, since its long-term health-damaging effect is significant.
Symptoms of the Manager’s disease:
Burnout syndrome is a condition that develops as a result of long-standing work-related distress. Harm in the workplace leads to mental, physical and emotional exhaustion that causes a decrease in the employee's performance and motivation. As a result of overloading, the worker questions his abilities and feels helpless. Although burnout can appear in any field, however, in employment areas where stress exposure is significant, the appearance of burnout syndrome is more common. Thus, doctors, ambulance officers, psychologists, firefighters, police officers, soldiers, teachers, middle and senior managers are at increased risk of burnout syndrome.
Burnout usually has the following stages:
Symptoms of burnout:
Exhaustion can be physical, mental and emotional. Exhaustion occurs in our lives at a time when we have to perform a multitude of tasks that involve great strain. Strenuous work, a challenging school environment and a competitive work environment can easily lead to exhaustion.
Symptoms of exhaustion:
Several chronic diseases can cause exhaustion. Below we have collected the most common diseases that can act as causes.
Diseases that can cause exhaustion:
The health-preserving effect of sleep can not be emphasized enough. Adequate quality and amount of sleep is not only one of the most effective weapons in the fight against fatigue but also plays a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. To help sleep combat exhaustion follow the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s (AASM) sleep hygiene rules:
In order for your body to be able to cope with everyday challenges, it is essential to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. With the right intake of micro and macronutrients, you can take care of the fuel needed to overcome tiring days. The following tips can help make your diet one of the cornerstones of the fight against exhaustion.
To avoid unpleasant symptoms caused by exhaustion, maintaining a work-life balance is essential. There are a number of innovative digital tools available to reduce workloads.
If you feel that despite following the above tips, you can not treat the symptoms of exhaustion alone, then it is worth seeking the help of a specialist. Health effects of exhaustion, chronic fatigue, managerial illness and burnout syndrome can lead to serious consequences. If necessary, consult your GP, who will refer you to the appropriate specialist clinic, or a psychologist who will provide professional assistance.
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