You may have heard or been part of a conversation about burnout it has become a common topic in everyday conversations or perhaps you feel that you are burnout and want to understand what is going on with you
The definition states: “Burn out is - exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or
motivation usually because of prolonged stress or frustration.”
If you are a person that has high standard or a strong drive to work, you are going to be prone to burnout (in Ayurveda - ancient Indian medicine system we call this the pitta dosha).
There is nothing wrong with being passionate about your work it simple means we need to have self-awareness to see the signs or symptoms or burnout and know how to manage it.
Burnout can present itself in several ways:
• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• General feelings of tiredness
• Feeling flat, having little motivation to do anything.
• Feel moody or generally ‘not caring’ about anything or anyone.
• Lack of productivity, a cloudy mind.
• Inability to be creative or try something new.
• Feeling like nothing is ever good enough.
• Your sleep may become effected.
Can you relate to some or perhaps quite a lot of these symptoms? Perhaps you are almost in a state of burnout of currently experiencing it.
So How Does Burn out Manifest?
Burn out exist because of living on borrowed energy. This means our energy output is higher than our energy input.
And factors such as
•Continuing overstimulation.
• Overuse of the senses.
• Excessive consumption of stimulants.
• Being constantly in fight or flight mode.
• Consuming processed foods/sugars for a quick fix that only leaves you more tired and exhausted.
• Lowered immunity; Feeling unwell but Doctors cannot find anything wrong.
So how do we prevent burnout from happening?
We need to be restoring our bodies daily. Instead of arriving home and reaching for a glass of wine or sugar hit. We need to break habits and implement strategies.
1. Awareness is the key, tuning in with your body and really noticing what is going on with it day by day. So you can notice signs that you are on the edge of burnout.
2. Outsource – get help you don’t have to do it all it is ok to ask for help or outsource task to free up time. Such as a meal delivery service or a cleaner.
3. Implement self- care strategies, weekly soak in the bath, give yourself a nightly foot massage, attend a breathwork class.
4. Exercise – chose something that nourishes you when you’re on the edge of burnout a yin yoga class or gentle walk along the beach. Exercise is important part of renewing your energy, but we must have that awareness to listen to what our body needs each day. No point doing a high intensity work out followed by a take away fried food meal because we are too tired to cook a fresh meal.
5. Mindful practices – a daily ritual such as breathwork, guided mediation, time in nature, journaling etc,
6. Unplug – switch off from technology for a day and notice how your energy renews, everything important will wait! Plan some time in your week to do something you love.
7. Nourish yourself with wholefoods and water. Hydration is very important for energy and mental clarity. Add some fruit into your water to keep it interesting! Eat lighter in summer to keep yourself from feeling heavy and overwhelmed.
8. Sleep – make sure you get to bed and rise at similar times each day. Become aware of you sleep quality. Chronic stress will affect your sleep and push you into a state of burnout.
Ensure your week is filled with healthy activities that support your current state and help
maintain balance.
Surround yourself with supportive people and create some core values to live by.
Empower yourself to make changes and say goodbye to a life of exhaustion because you my friend deserve to live a vibrant life.
Remember to always consult a medical practitioner if you have overwhelming thoughts and are struggling with everyday life. Its important and completely ok to have professional support when needed.
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