*Burnout: Prevention is better than cure
If you are feeling exhausted and even simple tasks feel overwhelming to complete or you find yourself quick to get stressed, angry or frustrated, you might be experiencing burnout. Whether it is 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.
Common Signs of Burnout
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Feeling overwhelmed
- A need to isolate
- Irritability and frustrations
- Preoccupation with work
- Short attention span
- Feeling apathetic or dissatisfied with your work
- Frequent illnesses such as cold, flu, headache..
- Changes in diet or sleep patterns
Preventions
Short breaks and check-in:
Taking regular breaks is important because it allows us a brief reprieve from our source of stress and to check-in with ourselves (emotionally, physically)
Work-life boundaries:
Setting work-life boundaries is necessary because technology has made us accessible 24 hours a day on multiple platforms. Learning to say – No firmly and graciously is a valuable skill.
Exercise:
Exercise is key to good mental, emotional and physical health. Physical activity helps our bodies secrete feel-good hormones, which give our mood a boost. Commit to exercising at least 3-4 times a week.
Get Enough Rest:
It is 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 focus.
If you have trouble getting enough ZZZZZs each night, skip caffeinated beverages past 2 pm, ban smartphones and other electronics from the bedroom, and establish a relaxing night time ritual like meditation, reading, or taking a bath.
Validate your feelings:
It is important to admit that you are struggling and that you need a break. It helps to talk about your feelings. Suppressing your feelings can increase your stress level and interrupt your sleep patterns.
Breathing space:
Time to yourself is essential to prevent burnout and manage stress. Whether you want to play a sport, enjoy a hobby, or catch-up with friends, be sure to make time each week for yourself.
Ask for Help:
Asking for help or support is not a sign of weakness. It shows that you are self-aware and understand your strengths and vulnerabilities. Sometimes all we need is a friendly ear or a shoulder to lean on.
If your stress levels is not improving, you may want to consider seeking professional support. A counselor help you navigate your feelings and explore suitable coping strategies.
SOURCES:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pressure-proof/201306/7-strategies-prevent-burnout
- https://www.healthline.com/health/tips-for-identifying-and-preventing-burnout
- https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-lesser-known-ways-to-beat-burnout#1
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-signs-you-experiencing-burnout-elena-eleftheriadou
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-burnout/
