Is It Really Burnout ?

Burnout?! What is it? Answer these simple questions. Do you feel less interested in things as you previously did? Have you neglected your self-care practices? Do you have constant negative thinking about work? Do you feel a lack of control over your personal circumstances? Do you feel overwlemed? Do you feel exhausted?

If you anwer yes! then you may be experiencing burnout. Especially in these insane times (ex: USA). Some times when you are in the midst of whatever you're going thru, you don't recognize it by name. Burnout can affect your emotional, physical, and mental health wellness. According to the NIH, burnout is when someone is under extreme pressure and lifestyle stress leading to physical and mental health symptoms, such as exhaustion, emptiness, and reduced productivity. Though, similar to depression, burnout tends to be related to specific stressors, and in depression negative thoughts and feelings are generally related to all areas of life.

As a working mom, trying to start up a business, and volunteer, and get into research, and and and. I tend to over do it, daily. As I have gotten older, I am better at recognizing the signs of burnout and how to handle it. The best way to handle burnout is to avoid it as best as possible, in this world, not likely, but there are steps we can take to help avoid it (listed below). The tool I use myself, which I find most effective in avoiding burnout is, setting clear boundaries. I find that when I make clear boundaries in regards of my work, personal life, and business I am less mentally drained and physically exhausted. I set time aside with certain tasks throughout the day to help prevent me from over-extending myself. Boundaries can look different for everyone, but for me it's putting everything in each category and time slot. With this, I also have learned to give myself grace. Grace in knowing that I may not stay exactly on schedule, I may not get to all my to-do tasks, and that my time may be more limited than I would like for a certain person/thing. That may look like picking up less over time shifts at work, so I can have more time working on my business, or hanging out with friends, or simply to have more time to rest.

In addition, to avoiding burnout, there are steps you can take to cope with it (listed below). My most frequent therapeutic step that I currently use is having a daily relaxing activity routine. Not only does it allow me to rest my mind and body, but it also causes me to slow down and be intentional with my time. Some days I will perform Reiki on myself, or go to a yoga class, or even listen to some music, and vibe out. These all help me to feel at ease and not as overwhelmed. I can relax and reset.

Again, there is not a one size fits all to dealing with burnout. But it is important to stay aware and viligant of the early warning signs as it can lead to serious physical symptoms and may lead to increase risk in getting depression. Please seek help and find the appropriate expert who can help lead to correct diagnosis or if you have any further questions/concerns

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TIPS

Here are 4 quick tips to help AVOID burnout:

1. set boundaries! whether professional or personal or both.

2. set achievable daily goals (make sure they are not overwhelming)

3. make time for hobbies (no side businesses, hustles)

4. take a mental health break, vacation, rest (whatever you want to call

   it, TAKE THE BREAK)

5 Tips to COPE with burnout:

1. identify triggers, self-reflection

2. exercise

3. try relaxing activities (reiki, drink tea, calming music, etc)

4. seek support

5. get enough sleep

Namaste,

K