How to Prevent Burnout
Not many people get through life without experiencing burnout at some point. Whether it’s from working more than one job, taking care of a sick loved one, or juggling family life while going back to school, burnout is real, and it negatively impacts your life and health. And in the last two years with the impact of the pandemic, more and more people are experiencing burnout.
Burnout affects not only the individual experiencing it but also those in her/his life — family, friends, co-workers, etc.
Common Signs of Burnout
If you think you may be experiencing burnout but are unsure, here are some of the most common signs:
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Feeling overwhelmed
- A desire to isolate
- Fantasies of escaping
- Irritability and/or impatience
- Frequent illnesses such as colds and flues
5 Ways to Prevent Burnout
Exercise
You know exercise is necessary for your physical health, but it is also important for your mental and emotional health as well. Physical activity helps our bodies secrete feel-good hormones, which give our mood a boost. So be sure to commit to exercising at least 3-4 times a week. Start small — even ten minutes a day will help.
Get Enough Rest
It’s essential to get enough restorative sleep each night. Sleep not only helps our bodies build and repair new tissue, but it helps us be able to feel calm and focused.
If you have trouble getting enough ZZZZZs each night, skip caffeinated beverages past 2 pm, stop using smartphones and other electronics at least 30 minutes before sleep and ban them from the bedroom, and establish a relaxing nighttime ritual like meditation, reading, or taking a bath.
Validate Your Feelings
“Keep calm and carry on.” That might be a fun saying for a throw pillow, but it’s not always the best advice. It’s often healthier to admit that you are struggling and that you need a break.
Remember to Play
Just because you’re an adult, that doesn’t mean you don’t need some downtime to just have fun. Whether you want to play a sport, enjoy a hobby, or go to the theater, be sure to make time each week to enjoy yourself and your life.
Ask for Help
During stressful times, it’s important to reach out to others for help. Sometimes all we need is a friendly ear to listen to what’s on our minds and in our hearts. Let your friends and family know you could use a little support.
If your stress levels don’t seem to decrease, you may want to consider working with a counselor who can help you navigate your feelings and offer coping strategies to deal with the issues you have going on.
If you’d like to speak with someone, please reach out to me.
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