Introduction
Find yourself constantly tired, no matter how much sleep you get? How about losing interest in the things that once brought you joy, now you find those same things annoying? Just simply cannot find the motivation to get anything done. Well, you may be experiencing burnout. Burnout occurs when you are stressed for an extended period of time, leading you to feel exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally. Here are some pointers to help overcome burnout.
Address the Root Cause
The first step to figure out the cause of your burnout is to assess the specific factors that are making you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or demotivated. These factors could include carrying a heavy workload without rest or support, whether that be at work or school. Having unrealistic expectations, pressure to meet other people’s expectations or the pressure to constantly need to be “on” with no support and little to no time to relax. Your personal habits and traits also play a role, so if you suffer from perfectionism, self-worth issues or fear of failure, in the long term, these will contribute to you running yourself to the ground.
Set clear boundaries
Learn to use your “No”. Before you agree to a commitment, pause and consider whether you have the time and energy to fulfill what is being asked of you. Take into consideration if any value will be added or if it would just be an unnecessary responsibility added to your to-do list that takes a large chunk of your time. Being selective about where you put your time and energy will greatly benefit your mental health, preventing and calming your burnout symptoms.
Take note of your day
A method to tackle burnout or to prevent any future burnout situations can be to write it all down, you can take note of your stress levels, moods, thoughts and feelings throughout the day. The object of journaling is to clear space in your mind so you can think more clearly, allowing you to make better decisions on how you can or should move forward with the day, tasks or people.
Get professional help
Seeking help from a professional is another go-to option since tackling burnout is not as easy as it seems. Especially if the effect has already created a dent in the quality of life you live or the relationships you have. A therapist can help you identify the cause of your burnout and help with methods to manage or navigate through any challenges caused due to it.
Make time for yourself
It can be tricky finding joy when you are exhausted. Try freeing up 10-15 minutes a day for yourself to do some self-care. Whether to do a hobby you like or one that makes you feel relaxed, even if you feel like time is going to waste. It may be the best thing you do that day, go for a short run, read a book or play a video game. Incorporating hobbies into your daily routine will give you a reason to look forward to the day and will help you feel much better about yourself.
Conclusion
Overall, burnout builds when you carry ongoing stress for a long period of time with no support, balance or rest in your schedule, leading you to feel worn out in the process. Setting boundaries and making time for yourself to do what you love each day can help you handle burnout symptoms until you no longer feel depleted but content with life itself. There is never a shortage of work; do yourself a favour and learn to rest and relax when you can.
