Dealing with burnout is important for mental and physical health. Burnout is a term used for a state of exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress!
Some signs to look out for can include:
Physical
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Headaches or muscle pain
- Change in sleep habits
- Frequent illness
Emotional - Feelings of hopelessness and being overwhelmed
- Mood swings and increased irritability
- Feeling detached or isolated
Behavioural - Reduced productivity or increased procrastination
- Withdrawal from responsibilities and social situations
Cognitive - Difficulty making decisions
- Forgetfulness and decreased attention span
- Negative attitude
- Loss of motivation
If this is something you feel like you may be struggling with it is important to have conversations with people you trust or speak to your health practitioner.
Some ways to manage burnout
- Prioritize self-care by taking regular breaks throughout the day to recharge. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and engage in physical activity to boost mood and energy levels.
- Set boundaries between work and your personal time to ensure you have downtime.
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms such as practicing mindfulness and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy and find fulfilling.
- Connect with friends and family to share your thoughts and feelings.
- Take time to rest. Whether that is a well needed holiday or a short break to disconnect and recharge.
- Consider professional help from a therapist or a counsellor to work through your feelings and help develop coping mechanisms.
