A pilot study was recently conducted to determine if a 12-week aerobic exercise program could reduce the levels of burnout. Twelve men suffering from burnout did aerobic exercises 2–3 times per week for the duration of the study.
What was the result of this 12-week pilot test?
Photo credit: Mike Baird
The key findings of the present pilot study were that a 12-week aerobic exercise program successfully reduced symptoms of burnout and depression in a sample of male participants scoring high on the MBI emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scales.
Yes, participants significantly reduced their burnout symptoms after three months of aerobic exercise.
This result should encourage further studies on the topic. In the meantime, it should also encourage anyone who needs to overcome burnout to lace up their workout shoes and exercise.
To learn more about the study, go to:
Aerobic exercise training and burnout: a pilot study with male participants suffering from burnout
Occupational burnout is associated with severe negative health effects. While stress management programs proved to have a positive influence on the well-being …
I can speak from my own experience that exercise has greatly improved my life at a time when I was suffering from burnout due to being overworked. For a period of about 3 months I was working 6 days a week, with 70 hours being a regular occurrence. At the time I found it incredibly difficult to switch off at night time and I could feel it taking a severe toll on my health. One day I decided to just get some fresh air and rather than walk I went for a run. Haven’t looked back since and while I now “only” work 55–60 hours a week I make sure that I go for a run at least 4 times a week. It really makes a huge difference and despite still working very long hours it doesn’t seem to take as much of a toll on me.
Christian,
Exercise is one of the key things that helped me as well. Thanks for sharing your experience.