Emotional Burnout: What You Need to Know?
The hustle and bustle of our busy modern lives have taken a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. We are often struggling to meet both ends meet, be it personal or professional lives. Instances are numerous when we don’t bother or intend to react according to a specific situation. If you are one of those, from the psychological perspective, you are suffering from emotional burnout.
Emotional burnout: An alarming issue of our fast-paced lifestyle
Firstly, you should consider emotional burnout as natural, and it can happen to anyone without being clearly visible in one’s eye. Most patients suffering from emotional exhaustion aren’t even aware of their troubled mental selves. It happens when we can’t address the demands of our work or social life. Not just it makes us emotionally unstable, but it also diminishes our enthusiasm even when it comes to achieving something new. Whether you are a high-salaried corporate professional or a working mother, burnout creeps into you when you least expect it, and after a time period, you think this phenomenon to be normal. Isn’t that weird? Yes, the adverse effects of this emotional burnout are manifested in most other areas of our lives. And what’s grimmer is that it is often misunderstood or overlooked.
Not all of us are born ‘perfectionists.’ Some strive to achieve, while a few of them succeed. But mainly, our workplace/social sphere demands us to be that ‘flawless self,’ which is unachievable of all sorts. Most of us expect to be the favorite of our boss, a perfect partner for a relationship, or a good father/mother. The accomplishment of these aspects is challenging, and it hampers our emotional well-being if we fail in any of these. Yes, perfection is necessary to achieve our set goals, but it isn’t the ultimate. Even a successful working woman may feel that she is not adhering to the roles/responsibilities towards her child or husband due to lack of time. You may be successful in managing all ends; hats off to your dynamic personality, but after a specific time frame, you perform all the roles/responsibilities as a ‘duty.’ It subdues the joy of motherhood and is emotionally draining under most circumstances.
Emotional exhaustion- How does it feel?
Though often misinterpreted as depression, there are substantial differences between the two. Yes, the symptoms are similar to depression, but here, you oscillate between indifference and an urge to action. Mood swings are also persistent. Your ‘unintentional’ action will trigger an additional round of guilt, be it your personal or professional life. When we realize the mistake, it’s too late.
Overpowering emotional burnout isn’t difficult with these coping strategies
?Emotional burnout is very common, and it occurs primarily due to our small daily talks and activities that we can’t evade. However, the below-mentioned self-care strategies will come to your rescue:
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a)????A big ‘NO’ to negative self-talk: Negative self-talk not only curbs our self-esteem but also has a long-term impact on our mental well-being. So, firstly and lastly, you need to stop believing what you believe. If you have negative thoughts about yourself, don’t give it a go and change your perspective. Also, avoid your so-called friends/relatives/neighbors who like to make stories of your self-deprecating crap.
b)????Meditate every day: The importance of meditation is often underrated, even in the 21st century. However, several severe illnesses can be cured with meditation one and only rather than any medicines. Pick a fixed time and do it every day. It will work wonders on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whatever thoughts arise during meditation, let them pass without judgment.
c)????Read any book: For some people, books are their best friend, while for others, it can be any individual/activity. But, if you want to keep your brain going while freeing yourself from the daily monotonous schedule, no other thing is as helpful as a ‘book.’
d)????Distance yourself from social media: Social media is tempting, no doubt, but its addiction can be dangerous. Emotionally burnt-out individuals should take a break from social media for a few days as often the news feed of a boy/girl is flooded with the self-satisfying displays of their friends/relatives/well-wishers. That person may feel that he/she is the odd one out, strengthening the essence of the proverb ‘Life looks greener on the other side.’ Moreover, the world won’t go upside down if, for a week or so, you don’t post anything on Facebook/Instagram.
Emotional burnout can be handled if we are aware of and care for our own selves. The above coping mechanisms aren’t difficult to follow; only you need to restructure your daily schedule and do the best suited for your physical, mental, and emotional being.