How Busy People Avoid Burnout
In a fast-paced world, we are constantly on the go. We always have a goal in mind, and we’re always striving to reach that goal. But, that can get really tiring! How many of us have felt exhausted, both physically and mentally, after a long day of school or work? These stress conditions that are extreme and persist over a period of time can cause burnout!!!
But how do busy and successful people stay motivated, without feeling the effects of burnout? Here’s a few tips and tricks!
Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash
What is burnout?
Burnout is a severe stress condition that leads to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Burnout is more than just fatigue and stress. It’s a state of being that makes it difficult for people to handle stress and daily activities/ responsibilities.
When you have burnout, you often feel like you have nothing left to give—like you’ve given it your all, your 100%. Most people who experience burnout are those who are constantly faced with high levels of stress. Burnout can be career-induced or activity-induced (like taking care of children).
Signs of burnout
Exhaustion
You feel tired both physically and emotionally. You could also experience headaches, stomach aches, and/or changes in appetite and sleeping patterns.
Isolation
You may feel overwhelmed with everything that’s going on, so you want to isolate yourself. You may feel the desire to stop socializing with others.
Wanting to escape
If you are burnt out because of your job, you may feel the desire to escape the daily responsibilities of your career.
Easily irritated
When you’re burnt out, you feel overwhelmed and stressed. This can cause you to lash out at other people, especially when things don’t go as you planned it.
Frequently ill
Burnout will often lower your immune system. This can make you more vulnerable to illnesses, like colds, flu, sore throat, etc.
How to avoid burnout
Exercise
Exercise is not just good for your body, but it’s also good for your emotional well being. Exercise and moving your body (or sweating it out) can become a sort of stress valve for you. It’s a way to release any negative emotions like anger, stress, anxiety, etc.
Find an exercise that works well with your schedule and your needs! You don’t have to choose a rigorous exercise, just choose one you like (which means you’re more likely to do it!).
Eat well
Did you know some foods are naturally antidepressant? Omega-3 fatty acids are a great example of this! Try eating more walnuts and fish to boost your mood when you’re feeling down.
Sleep well
Your body needs rest. So, having healthy sleeping habits is important, not just for our physical wellbeing, but also for our emotional health! Try having a bedtime ritual that you can follow each night. This can signal your body every night that you’re ready to settle down and head to bed.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try not to use any electronic devices around 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to bed.
Ask for help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking others for a hand. Those who care about you will want to help you. Reach out to your friends and family that you trust. Remember, they are there to help you, but you need to reach out to them.
Other tips
Let your vacations be vacations!
If you’re on a break or on a vacation (whether alone or with friends and family), remember to truly unplug. Let your holidays truly be a holiday! Don’t try to bring in work into your vacation. Allow yourself to truly take a break and unplug from your day-to-day responsibilities. This will allow you to reset and recharge!
Know your breaking point
Knowing your breaking point or limit will allow you to avoid hitting rock bottom. Most of us don’t know our limits, and we push ourselves so hard until it’s too late to turn back. Reflect on yourself and ask yourself, how much is too much? How far is too far? Only you have the answers to those questions. And remember, it’s okay if your limit is different from others’.
Schedule free time
Most of us schedule plans, but it’s actually a healthy practice to schedule breaks and rest times. Rest is important and so many of us often forget that! So, to remind yourself to take a break, why not write it into your calendar, just like you would an appointment!
Find a hobby
Finding a hobby that you can do throughout the week can help you avoid burnout. By diving into something you love throughout the week can help get your mind out of the stresses of work and/ or school. Hobbies are a mood booster! So find something you love, and don’t be afraid to incorporate it throughout your week, especially during stressful times!
