Ever feel like you are so mentally exhausted and overwhelmed that you can’t catch your breath? It may be that you are suffering from burnout! What makes burnout so destructive, is that it gobbles up your emotional, physical, and mental happiness.
When you are stressed you do too much. Your identity, much like a sponge, fills up with water. After a brief state of stress, you are able to wring out the water and bounce right back. In the case of burnout, the sponge becomes so water soaked and heavy that it becomes non-functional.
the One could ask, “So, how do we identify if we have gotten past the point of stress and to the stage of burnout?” This is a tough question, because that all depends on if you are able to see a glimpse of light in the fog. In other words, that all of your work, life, hormones, relationship, and other demands have gained so much control over your spirit that you have become dysfunctional. As a life and wellness coach, I remain optimistic that light always shines over darkness. Change is always possible.
Signs of burnout include:
1. Feeling or being super productive, yet nothing of substance gets done.
2. Your daily attitude encompasses resentment, anger, cynicism, depression, etc.
3. Racing thoughts that deny you of rest and quality sleep.
4. Increase in headaches, illness, or autoimmune symptoms.
5. Defining oneself with self-doubt and a sense of failure.
6. Continual need for avoidance and detachment.
In a world, where production is emphasized, it can be really hard for a women to remember to make her own self-care needs a priority. When hormones fluctuate, they can make everyday demands that much harder. It is important to allow yourself permission to re-energize. Life is not going to crumble, despite our beliefs otherwise. We do not have to be perfect and have everything figured out. Be mindful of that inner voice inside you, when you need time to take a breath.
Helpful hints to avoid burnout include:
1. Seek coaching for emotional support and a plan of action to balance life stressors.
2. Reinforce positivity in your life
3. Get creative, so that part of your day involves something you love.
4. Take time to relax- with a walk, vacation, or however you define that.
5. Set boundaries and re-evaluate if your responsibilities and self-care are balanced.
6. Decrease refined carbs, sugars, and foods full of chemicals and hormones.
7. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Reference: Smith, M, M.A, et al. (October 2020), “Burnout Prevention and Treatment”, October 12. 2021, <https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout%20prevention-and-recovery.htm >