How to Cope with Burnout.
Many people around the world experience burnout throughout their lives. Burnout is a collection of symptoms that can happen when you are consistently under pressure during life. Feelings of burnout may be accompanied by:
- Feelings of exhaustion: like your energy has been sapped.
- Loss of motivation: you may feel overwhelmed by stressors such as work-life. You may lose enjoyment in your job and feel like you want to quit or give up. You may begin to try less and cut corners to make your day easier.
- Irritability: you may have a ‘short fuse’ with the people around you. This is usually a good indicator that something isn’t right.
- Anxiety: you may feel like you have to meet certain deadlines or societal expectations. This can lead to a spike in anxious emotions that can feel impossible to control. You may constantly fear for the worst outcome even if it isn’t likely to happen.
- Physical symptoms: symptoms like headaches and stomach pains can be a sign of stress.
- Insomnia: any of these symptoms above may be accompanied by sleepless nights/nights that are hard to stay or get asleep.
Coping with burnout symptoms:
If you are ignoring the signs of burnout it is more likely that you will burn out quicker. The stress that surrounds burnout may leave you feeling drained and empty, inside and out. Here are some suggestions for dealing with burnout:
- Take annual leave! – If you are in employment and work has become overwhelming. Take a well-deserved break!
- Change your sleep cycle: if you are falling asleep later try adjusting your sleep cycle. Push dinner forward an hour, have a shower in the evening instead of the morning, and dim the lights an hour earlier. And remember, if you are struggling with insomnia and you have tried adjusting your sleep hygiene, contact a doctor to discuss medication options.
- Seek support: if life has become too much and you need a break. Ask family and friends! Try and get a day away from the kids where you go and get a McDonald’s and your nails done. Or have a pyjama day and snuggle up with your husband or wife and watch Disney movies (one of my favourite things to do when I experience burnout!)
Burnout is a common and serious issue that many people face in their lives, and it can have significant impacts on our physical and mental well-being. Recognizing the signs of burnout, such as exhaustion, loss of motivation, irritability, anxiety, physical symptoms, and insomnia, is crucial in addressing the problem early on. Coping with burnout requires a proactive approach to self-care and seeking support from loved ones when needed. Taking annual leave to recharge, adjusting sleep cycles to ensure better rest, and seeking support from family and friends are just some of the ways we can effectively cope with burnout. Remember, burnout is not a sign of weakness; it is a signal that we need to prioritize our well-being and make positive changes in our lives. Acknowledging and addressing burnout, allows us to thrive both personally and professionally. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and take care of ourselves -sometimes it’s necessary!
Thank you for taking the time and listening to my story. Medium has been a fantastic place for me to open up, receive support, and most importantly to aid my recovery. I feel like I am reclaiming my life and that is thanks to all of you!!
