A Guide To Avoiding Burnout
No one is safe from burnout. Anyone who is routinely exposed to high levels of stress, whether that be work-related or not, can experience burnout. Burnout can cause symptoms of exhaustion, depression, and isolation.?
The periods of burnout have been broken down into 12 different stages, as outlined by Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North:
Stress may be unavoidable and is part of everyday life. But burnout is preventable. We've put together a brief guide on how to stop your stress from getting the best of you and how you might be able to help someone experiencing burnout.?
Exercise
Exercise is proven to help reduce stress levels and increase mood.?
You may feel stretched for time and struggle to sketch in exercise, but even a short walk or mini-workout is a convenient way to incorporate physical activity into your day.?
Eat A Balanced Diet
It's true what they say; you are what you eat. Eating a balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients will likely improve your mood. Foods rich in omega-3s, like flaxseed oil, walnuts, and fish, have been proven as natural antidepressants.?
Practice Good Sleep Habits
Our bodies need time to rest and reset, which is why healthy sleep habits are essential for our well-being.
Some ways to improve your sleep schedule include avoiding caffeine, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and banning screen time before bed to avoid overstimulation.?
Ask For Help
Reaching out for help is never something you should be embarrassed about. During stressful periods, it's essential to reach out for help and advice. If asking for help feels difficult, you could consider developing a self-care "check-in" with close friends or family members to help you care for each other during difficult times.
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Helping Friends Or Family Members
While you can't control someone's stress, offering support can enable them to offload.?
Listen
Lending an open ear is more helpful than you think. Before jumping straight to solutions, take the time to listen to your friends or families and their difficulties.?
Having someone to talk to makes a huge difference. Often people need someone to understand their reasons for feeling this way, so listening goes a long way.?
Validate Feelings And Concerns
Once you have listened to someone, make sure you are validating their feelings. While responses like "it's not all bad" or "I'm sure it will get better" offer reassurance, they can often invalidate someone's emotions.?
Instead, respond with validation by saying things like, "I understand why you're feeling that way."?
Offer Specific Types Of Help
Individuals experiencing burnout often forget to ask for help. Ask them how you can help, whether it's dropping off a meal, helping with cleaning, or accompanying them for a cup of tea and chat.?
Kind Gestures
Making kind gestures is likely to make a massive difference to someone experiencing low mood or burnout. Whether it's sending flowers, a thoughtful text message, or a written card to remind your friends and family members that they are not alone.?
Takeaway
If you are exposed to continual stress, you're likely to experience burnout. This can make you feel exhausted, anxious, and isolated. However, there are ways to help, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and prioritizing sleep.?
If you're worried about a friend or family member experiencing burnout, take the time to listen to them, validate their emotions, and offer ways of helping.?
Whether you're working long hours, studying, or taking care of young children, try to prioritize self-care to improve your mood and stop stress from multiplying into something more serious, like burnout.