National Burnout Day

Young woman relaxing in a cozy sweater, surrounded by fluffy pillows, with a warm cup of tea, and a bookshelf filled with self-care books.. — National burnout day illustration

Welcome to National Burnout Day, a day dedicated to relaxation, self-care, and treating yourself like the glowing star that you are! It's the perfect opportunity to take a break from the chaotic hustle and bustle of life and focus on recharging your batteries. Whether you're feeling burned out from work, relationships, or just the general craziness of being an adult, this day is all about putting yourself first and giving yourself the TLC you deserve.

When is Burnout Day?

It's national burnout day on the 24th June.

The Origins of National Burnout Day

Every year on June 24th, people across the internet come together to celebrate National Burnout Day. While the exact origins of this day remain a mystery, it's thought to have emerged as a response to the increasing prevalence of burnout in our fast-paced society. With the constant demands of work, social obligations, and the never-ending stream of notifications from our smartphones, it's no wonder that burnout has become a common struggle for many.

National Burnout Day serves as a reminder that it's okay to step back and take care of yourself. It's a day to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on rejuvenation, both physically and mentally. Whether that means indulging in a day of pampering, embarking on a mini-adventure, or simply lounging in your pajamas watching your favorite movies, the choice is yours!

How to Celebrate National Burnout Day

There are endless ways to make the most of National Burnout Day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Unplug and unwind: Turn off your phone, step away from social media, and give yourself a break from the constant bombardment of information. Spend the day doing activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your soul.
Treat yourself: Indulge in some much-needed self-care. Take a long bath, give yourself a DIY spa treatment, or splurge on that item you've been eyeing for months. You deserve it!
Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with the people who bring you happiness. Whether it's a family gathering, a picnic with friends, or a romantic date night, surround yourself with the love and support of those who lift your spirits.

Rememberance and Awareness

National Burnout Day also serves as a reminder to check in with ourselves and our loved ones. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to extend a helping hand to those who may be struggling with burnout. Let's create a world where self-care is a priority and support and understanding is readily available to all.

History behind the term 'Burnout'

1974

The birth of burnout

In 1974, the term 'burnout' was first coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. He observed the symptoms of chronic exhaustion and mental fatigue in his patients and recognized it as a distinct syndrome. Freudenberger used the term to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by people in helping professions, such as doctors and social workers, who faced overwhelming stress and demands in their jobs.

1940

Coined by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger

In 1940, the term 'burnout' was first used by the German-born American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. He used the term to describe the state of physical or emotional exhaustion experienced by people involved in helping professions, such as nurses or social workers. Initially, burnout was seen as a result of excessive stress and the demands of the job.

1980

Validating burnout as a syndrome

In 1980, the phenomenon of burnout gained further recognition when the term was included as a psychological syndrome in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This classification helped establish burnout as a legitimate and diagnosable condition, validating the experiences of those who felt overwhelmed by work-related stress.

1974

Expanded by the sociologist Christina Maslach

In 1974, Christina Maslach, a sociologist and psychologist, expanded on the concept of burnout and conducted extensive research on the topic. She identified three main components of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Maslach's work shed light on the effects of burnout on both individuals and organizations, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue.

1981

Exploring burnout in the workplace

Researchers Christina Maslach and Susan E. Jackson published their groundbreaking book 'The Measurement of Experienced Burnout' in 1981. Their work focused on studying burnout specifically in the context of the workplace and identified three primary dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. This research highlighted the importance of addressing burnout within organizations and sparked further interest in understanding its causes and consequences.

1981

Added to the third edition of the Maslach Burnout Inventory

In 1981, the term 'burnout' gained further recognition when it was incorporated into the third edition of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI is a widely used questionnaire designed to assess burnout among professionals. Its inclusion solidified the concept of burnout as a legitimate area of study and measurement.

1990s

Recognized as a global phenomenon

During the 1990s, burnout started gaining recognition as a global phenomenon. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged burnout as an occupational phenomenon, highlighting its impact on individuals' well-being and work performance. This recognition paved the way for further research and interventions aimed at preventing and addressing burnout in various industries and professions.

1999

Expanding burnout to other professions

Over the years, the concept of burnout expanded beyond its initial association with helping professions. In 1999, psychologist Christina Maslach, one of the pioneers in burnout research, co-authored a book titled 'The Truth About Burnout: How Organizations Cause Personal Stress and What to Do About It.' This book emphasized that burnout can affect individuals across various industries and provided strategies for preventing and addressing burnout in the workplace.

2019

Burnout recognized as an occupational phenomenon

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a significant update to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and formally recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon. The classification defined burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. This recognition further solidified burnout as a widespread issue faced by many individuals in modern society, prompting conversations and efforts to promote well-being and work-life balance.

Present

Increased awareness and focus on self-care

In the present day, burnout continues to be a significant issue in the modern workforce. Increased awareness of burnout's detrimental effects has led to a greater emphasis on self-care and work-life balance. Many organizations now prioritize employee well-being and offer programs and resources to prevent and manage burnout. The term 'burnout' has become ingrained in our cultural vocabulary, representing a shared understanding of the toll excessive stress can take on individuals.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'burnout' was first coined in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger? He used it to describe the state of physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by professionals in high-stress jobs. Since then, burnout has become a widely recognized phenomenon that affects people from all walks of life.