Are you Suffering from Burnout?

Here is a shocking statistic for you – over 77% of people say they experience symptoms of burnout – fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, irritability. Does anyone else find that crazy and unacceptably high?!?!?  It’s no wonder that the World Health Organisation (WHO), now recognise burnout as an occupational phenomenon!

Burnout is sneaky – it creeps up on you. The signs may be subtle in the beginning but if changes aren’t made, as time goes by they can worsen. Feelings of exhaustion and fatigue, reduced productivity at work and at home and reduced capacity for your professional or personal relationships are all common symptoms. Can you relate to this! You are clearly not alone! 

Being able to spot the signs of burnout in yourself (and others) before it progresses and reaches a crisis point is critical to avoid the downward spiral that can result from long term burnout. We can’t always control the stress in our lives but we can control how we deal with them. Does that make sense to you?

MY TOP 8 TIPS FOR AVOIDING BURNOUT:

1. Recognise it early and put a plan in place to tend to your own needs – So many people have the ‘soldier on’ philosophy because they feel like others need them to. But the reality is, your relationships with others, work colleagues, friends and family, will be infinitely better when you are feeling better. 
2. Practice mindfulness everyday – Take the time to unplug from work and family (and social media) and simply observe your breathing, perhaps you would prefer journaling or meditation. Whatever works for you, just take the time to do it!
3. Eat a well balanced, healthy diet – Nourishing our bodies is one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves and our bodies. Eating wholefoods and keeping our bodies hydrated set us up for a healthy gut, healthy immune system and a healthy mind.
4. Exercise regularly – Exercise is so important to keep our joints mobile, muscles functioning and for a clear mind. It doesn’t have to be intensive – a walk around the block during work breaks can sometimes be enough to regain mental clarity and feel re-energised.
5. Sleep! Sleep is when the body and mind rejuvenates and it is essential for general wellbeing.   
6. Make sure you spend time doing the things you love – Don’t wait to take those dance or painting classes you’ve been contemplating. Go ahead and do them! Doing things we enjoy stimulate endorphins that make us feel good….and we all want to feel good!
7. Work with a professional – Depending on your needs, reach out to a mentor, health coach or functional therapist. Having a qualified professional in your corner can make the world of difference. 

If you are personally experiencing burnout or know someone who is and want to find functional practitioners who understand, we would love to help! Reach out to us here.