Have you lost your workday pep? Are you feeling grumpy at the office? You may have burnout!

What has long been the realm of abstract complaint – what is burnout, anyway? – has now been officially recognized as a thing by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO defines the exhausting drudgery of it all as follows: Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

The symptoms of burnout
They go on to describe the three “dimensions” of burnout.

1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.
3. Reduced professional efficacy.

How to cope
All of these can have dire consequences. So what to do? Mayo has these suggestions:

Evaluate your options.  Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. Maybe you can work together to change expectations or reach compromises or solutions. Try to set goals for what must get done and what can wait.

Seek support.  Whether you reach out to coworkers, friends or loved ones, support and collaboration might help you cope. If you have access to an employee assistance program, take advantage of relevant services.

Try a relaxing activity.  Explore programs that can help with stress such as yoga, meditation or tai chi.

Get some exercise.  Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work.

Get some sleep.  Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health.

Take a walk in the park. Spending time in greenspace – from a walk in the forest to sitting in a park – reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure, among other benefits.