In times of so much change and evolution in the world of work, it is common for us to find ourselves facing high levels of self-demand and perfectionism at work in response to uncertainty and the need to adapt. While these tendencies can be motivating and lead to significant achievement, they can also have profound negative effects on our mental health. This article will explore how perfectionism and self-demand affect our professional and personal lives, and offer strategies for managing these challenges.
How does perfectionism affect our mental health?
Perfectionism, when out of control, can lead to a constant state of dissatisfaction, exhaustion and stress. This phenomenon not only affects our productivity, but also has repercussions on our mental health. The pressure to achieve unattainable standards can result in anxiety, depression and burnout.
Balance is key
To avoid the negative effects of perfectionism, it is essential to find a balance. A healthy level of self-demand motivates us to achieve great goals and grow professionally. However, when it becomes an obsession, it can be detrimental. This is where the importance of rest and breaks comes into play.
The importance of rest and breaks
At VIAHR, we promote rest and breaks as vital tools to prevent burnout. Constant work and excessive self-demand are contributing factors to burnout. Taking regular vacations, disconnecting from work during breaks and allowing time to recharge are essential practices for maintaining a healthy balance.
Best practices for rest
- Regular vacations: Plan and take vacations to completely disconnect from work.
- Daily disconnection: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that you have time off each day.
- Relaxation activities: Spend time on activities that you enjoy and that help you relax outside of the work environment.
Deep roots of perfectionism
Perfectionism and self-demanding often have deep roots in past experiences, such as growing up in highly demanding environments or traumatic experiences. It is crucial to address these issues from a holistic perspective, working in both work and personal settings.
Strategies for dealing with perfectionism
- Self-knowledge: Identify the roots of your perfectionism and work on them with professional help if necessary.
- Set realistic goals: Learn to set achievable goals and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
- Practice self-compassion: Develop a compassionate attitude towards yourself, accepting that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
How to help someone who is experiencing burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. If you know someone who is experiencing burnout, here are some tips to offer support:
- Active listening: Pay attention to signs of emotional exhaustion and offer your support in an understanding way.
- Promotes self-care: Encourages the person to take regular breaks and spend time on activities that he or she enjoys outside of work.
- Encourages disconnection: Helps establish boundaries between work and personal life, encouraging disconnection from work outside working hours.
- Offers resources: Provides information on stress management techniques and professional support, such as therapy with occupational mental health specialists.
Our burnout prevention resources can become a valuable support
The balance between self-demand, perfectionism and rest is essential to maintain good mental health and prevent burnout. At VIAHR, we strongly believe in everyone's right to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. If you need support to prevent burnout or help someone who is experiencing it, do not hesitate to contact us.
