Burnout: What it is and How to Avoid it
What is burnout?
“Burnout” refers to the severe physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that comes from stress in one’s life. Burnout makes it difficult to handle stress and participate in daily activities and responsibilities. Whether your burnout is a result of work, school, social, family, or other demands, you can feel relief and begin to improve your quality of life.
10 Common Signs of Burnout
Burnout does not come all at once, but builds overtime. If you notice any of these common signs of burnout in your own life, take action to help relieve yourself of the burnout you are experiencing.
- Feel extremely tired all of the time
- Changes in appetite
- Constant and consistent headaches
- De-socializing
- Pessimistic outlook on life
- Inability to feel accomplished and satisfied with work
- Coping with stress in unhealthy ways (using food, drugs, or alcohol)
- Skipping work or classes
- Feeling hopeless
- Procrastination
Learn more about the consequences and signs associated with burnout.
3 Ways to Prevent and Overcome Burnout
If you are feeling burnout in your life right now, know that you are not alone. Many individuals today experience burnout. The good news, you don’t have to stay where you are now! Here are some ideas that can help you both avoid and overcome burnout.
1. Develop Daily, Healthy Habits
What helps you to feel best physically and mentally? Take 30 minutes a day to mediate, journal, go for a walk, talk to a friend, read, or cook your favorite meal. Switch it up and take time for you! You deserve it.
2. Set Goals and Assess Your Progress
It can be easy to feel like you are not being productive and getting done what you need to when your list of tasks to accomplish just keeps growing. So, frequently set time to make goals for yourself and assess progress. What is most important to you in life? Prioritize those things. Goals don’t need to be big. Start small to help yourself see your progress overtime and not put unnecessary added pressure on yourself.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep scientist, Aric Prather, says, “sleep is so critical for so many parts of our body and our mind…sleep is like the dishwasher of the brain”. Sleeping helps clear out toxins in our brains and allows our bodies and mind to repair and prepare for the waking hours of the day. Everyone thrives off of different amounts of sleep. Find what works best for you, and don’t feel guilty for respecting your body and prioritizing eight hours of shut-eye a night.
Burnout doesn’t need to last forever. Take the necessary steps you need to in order to take care of yourself. Every area of your life will benefit from you prioritizing you.
Authored by Lauren Woodbury
