The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Have you been stressed, fatigued, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands?  Has your motivation been waning; do you just want to sleep for days at a time?  Are you physically present but mentally detached? Have you become a cynic? In a nutshell, you may be experiencing burnout. 

Burnout can happen to anyone, and if you are in a helping profession, a caregiver, or a stay-at-home parent, you may experience it more often than you realize.  If ignored, burnout can impact a variety of areas in your life- work, family, social, and can even make you more susceptible to common illnesses.

What causes burnout?  It’s significant to note that burnout is a gradual process.  Common causes of burnout include prolonged stress, work demands, taking on too many responsibilities, lack of sleep, and personality traits such as perfectionism and a need to be in control.

You will be happy to know that you can 100% recover from burnout, but it requires self-awareness, immediate attention, and effort.  Here are some tips that you can immediately implement:

*Small Breaks- Do you tend to work through lunch?  Try taking a minimum 20 minute break away from work or daily tasks every shift.  Even smaller breaks can include a step outside for some fresh air for 5-10 minutes.

*Schedule Time Off- I’m talking beyond the typical weekend.  Routinely schedule an additional day off and even a week at a time off to completely separate yourself from work and your usual daily responsibilities.  This is going to require the next tip.

*Boundaries- Yes, the infamous B word that I use in my work with clients session to session.  You are not a superhuman, so you can’t say yes to everything.  Practice communicating more assertively, saying no more often. I assure you that few things are as liberating as setting proper boundaries.

*Learn to Relax- You may think that binge-watching the latest Netflix series is a great way to relax.  I’m not saying the latest murder mystery that I binge watched wasn’t totally worth it, but it wasn’t my idea of relaxing because in addition to binge watching the show, I also was doing laundry, watching YouTube, checking email, and who knows what else.  Take the time to intentionally put your mind at rest- NO MULTITASKING.  A key way to do this is to practice mindfulness.

*Social Support- Has anyone else had to relearn how to be fully engaged and present socially since being under a pandemic for 2 years?  Some of us have had to learn to reconnect with others since we were given permission to isolate for quite some time.  Regularly connect with family, friends, and even peers in your line of work to sort through some of your stressors and provide helpful distractions.

*Health and Fitness- You may think that this goes without saying, but there are many of us who neglect the basics of health and fitness.  Now that the weather is preparing (emphasis on preparing with the recent snow we got in North Alabama) to warm up with consistent sun, why not try to take a walk or get outdoors in some other way at least once per week.  Schedule and implement a bedtime routine.  Include some healthy food options in your desk at work or in the pantry at home.

Yes, burnout happens, and equally yes, you can recover from it.  Starting this week, I’d like you to implement at least one of the tips suggested.  With consistency, your positive outlook on life and vigor will return.

If you find that despite your efforts, your symptoms continue, it may be time to see your doctor.  I encourage you to also consider seeking a therapist who can help you manage your daily stressors and add a measure of accountability.  Contact us at info@thebalancedlifellc.com or 256-258-7777.