Let’s talk about burnout.
Burnout is defined as a state of extreme stress, which can translate into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Those who experience burnout can also find it much more difficult to complete their daily activities. Anyone can experience burnout, however, symptoms may differ for everyone. Regardless, it’s important to learn the common symptoms so you can easily identify burnout. Some common symptoms to look out for include exhaustion, isolation, irritability, and frequent illness.
- Exercise
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One of the main reasons we hit a state of burnout is because we’re under constant stress. Without any way to relieve stress, it will continue build until we hit a wall otherwise known as burnout. A known and effective way to release stress is to exercise. A lot of people think about lifting heavyweights in the gym or going for a 5km run when they hear the word exercise. However, that does not have to be the case. Any physical activity that gets you moving your body is good for stress release. Going outside for a 10 minute walk can make the biggest difference in your daily stress levels.
- Balanced Diet
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Another reason we may burn out is due to a lack of energy. On any given day, it’s natural to lose energy. However, if we don’t have the energy from the start, it will take a much greater toll on us. Eating a balanced diet is critical to giving our body energy for the day, hence the cliché “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Breakfast sets you up for your day, if you have a good nutritious breakfast, you will have the energy to get you through your morning. That is a step in the right direction.
- Proper Sleep Schedule
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Having a proper sleep schedule also contributes to the energy bank we have for the day. To reiterate, we need energy to get ourselves through the day. Without it, one can easily burn out because they force themselves to go on without necessarily having the energy. Getting a good night’s rest is key to having energy for the next day. Without a proper sleep schedule, we’re not letting our bodies properly reset.
A tip to make sure you get a successful rest is to not drink caffeinated beverages about an hour before you plan to go to sleep. That paired with staying off of your devices for that same hour is the best way to prepare for a good night’s sleep.
- Self-Care
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Self-care – which looks different for every person – is also so important. I feel like this gets said a lot, but sometimes we all need a small reminder. Taking time for yourself to do something you genuinely enjoy is such a positive thing for both your mind and body.
- Ask For Help
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The last bit of advice I have for you in relation to burnout is to not be afraid to ask for help. There are resources available such as this one.
This page on the American Psychiatric Association’s website features many resources such as articles, videos, and even a tool you can use to assess your well-being.
I hope that you learned a bit more about burnout and how to identify and avoid feeling it yourself. Life has been crazy, and we might feel like things are changing and we are constantly trying to keep up. However, we need to remember to take time for ourselves and to put our own well-being first.