Understanding Bore Out & Burn Out

Adam Grant defines “Bore Out” as the emotional deadening that someone feels when they are under-stimulated and “Burn Out” as the emotional exhaustion that accumulates when you are over-loaded. Bore out comes from not having meaning in what one is doing. Bore out is just as real as burn out, just not talked that much. It’s a hollow feeling, leaving one empty because of lack of drive, in what one is doing. Burn out, on the other hand, results in exhaustion because one is literally running on fumes. Whether it’s a burn out or a bore out the result is the same- that disinterested, detached feeling leaving you depleted. Let’s unravel both and see what can be done.

Bore out is less talked about than its contemporary, but it is as real. Chronic boredom from lack of challenging stimulation can lead to bore out. The work simply is not exciting enough to bring out the best productivity in an individual. Not all tasks can be exciting at all times, but when a feeling of “have to” vs “want to” comes in the equation, on a long-term basis, it slowly leaves an individual unmotivate d. When one is enthusiastic about something, it’s easier to find flow. You become one with the task at hand. Bore out can lead to:

  • 1. Anxiety: Bored out workers can be working at their full capacity, but just not with enough rigor because they fail to find meaning in their work. They might leave things for the last and then find themselves panicking and getting anxious.
  • 2. Sadness: Everyone wants to feel contributing and valuable. If the tasks one does gives no joy, then they start feeling obsolete or fading into oblivion.
  • 3. Procrastination: If you ae constantly putting off work in return for instant gratifying activities, like scrolling social media or online shopping, then it implies you are not engaged in your work.
  • 4. Physical symptoms: Headaches, feeling dull, insomnia

A common reaction to the feeling associated with bore out is “quiet quitting”. It simply means that your life doesn’t revolve around your work. You only do the work that is necessary to get the job done and do not go beyond your renumerations or job description. You don’t work for others approval. However, this approach is short lasting and simply implies you need to find something else to do.

How to beat emotional bore out?

  • 1. Challenge yourself. Try something new. Feed your passions. Take small steps towards those.
  • 2. Find alignment. What matters to you? What makes you feel most alive? Try to move closer to that which brings the spark in you.
  • 3. Make space for curiosity. Explore, explore, explore outside your comfort.
  • 4. Connect with like minded individuals. Find conversations that ignite you.
  • 5. Don’t settle. Make choices that give meaning to your being. Don’t live a flat line.
  • 6. Seek guidance and support through coaching.

Burn out is what happens when you are on an over drive and are emotionally over invested- in work, care giving, relationships etc. withoutgetting enough rest, recovery or reward. It causes emotional exhaustion and a feeling of being stuck or trapped. Burn out is the minds way of saying, “I can’t do this any longer”.

Burn out causes:

  • 1. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
  • 2. Irritability and anger
  • 3. Sense of helplessness and dread
  • 4. Disconnection from the things that you care about
  • 5. Headaches
  • 6. Insomnia

How to get out of the cycle?

  • 1. Rest and sleep are paramount.
  • 2. Draw your boundaries. Take on what you can without stretching yourself thin.
  • 3. Rekindle the activities that bring joy.
  • 4. Reassess why you are continuing? Is it time for changeover?
  • 5. Exercise and eat healthy, prioritizing your lifestyle.
  • 6. Talk it out and take support from a coach or a friend

Final Thoughts

Listen to what your emotions are telling you. Your body speaks through your emotions and feelings. If it doesn’t feel right, then make the necessary changes. Emotional health is a priority as it’s the basis for your functioning through life. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone by pushing through, to the state of exhaustion or numbness. Life is short. Start making small choices in a meaningful way. Start small, grow big!