Battling Burnout
A term that originated from psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s, “burnout” was used to describe the state of mental and emotional exhaustion and reduced performance, brought on by chronic stress and unrealistic expectations for oneself.
We’re in month nine of the pandemic and the feeling of burnout has become all too real for so many of us this year.
How many of you have lost precious sleep over:
The pandemic; the economy and job security; politics; deep concern for the well-being of our loved ones near and far; the challenge of maintaining high productivity and performance in our jobs...The list goes on and on…
What are the telltale signs of burnout?
You’re constantly irritable and unhappy, making you feel withdrawn from others
You often feel anxiety and overwhelm
Your health is starting to take a toll: you’re frequently feeling run down or getting sick
You’ve developed persistent gastro-intestinal issues like acid reflux
You lack a sense of purpose and feel uninspired, maybe even hopeless
So as we head into the winter season, here’s a simple framework to help you manage these challenging times, start taking better care of your physical and mental health, and build resilience.
Connect
Regularly connect with your favorite people and check in on them. Schedule in a video chat weekly with a friend or family member you’re unable to see in-person. Try one of these fun health “challenges” together and hold each other accountable: track 10,000 steps daily on your health app, eliminate sugar for a week and compare notes, pick an online workout video together and catch up on the phone afterward!
Move
Build in 30 minutes daily for movement. Get your heart rate up, your blood flowing, and your muscles engaged. It’ll help to clear your head, reduce your stress and boost your endorphins. Even a brisk walk in your neighborhood will do you wonders.
Nourish
Did you know that your gut health is linked to your mental health? Eating a balanced meal rich in nutrients is not only good for your physical well-being but will also keep your mind sharp and regulate your mood! Try incorporating some fermented foods into your diet everyday (yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso paste…), minimize your sugar intake and go for colorful veggies.
Restore
We all need to refill our cups at the end of a long day. What’s a healthy, (non-screen time) activity that helps you to decompress? Light a candle, play some music, pick up a book, write in your journal…unwind before your bed time and set yourself up for sleep success.
Consider
If you’re unhappy with a facet of your life, consider what small change you can start implementing today to get those gears churning. Helen Keller once said, “True happiness…is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” So consider what your true purpose might be, and how you can be more proactive to start working towards it.
Seek support
We could all use a little boost during tough times, am I right? A bit of outside perspective and a nudge in the right direction could make a huge difference in the long-term. Ask me about how health coaching can help you implement solid strategies to prevent burnout, avoid chronic health issues down the road, and work toward a greater vision for your future.
You’re not alone in your feelings of burnout. Let’s connect and lift each other up to get through the rest of this crazy year, together.
xx
Yoko