Burnout and manage stress

Dealing with Burnout

When the word “burnout” is used, most people think of professional or exercise-related burnout. Professional burnout is usually, entirely emotional, while exercise-induced burnout is primarily physical. However, Burnout also includes a state of existence where an individual is physically exhausted, develops cynical tendencies, feels detached and suffers from inefficiency in routine activities. Many folks refer to it as having “hit a wall.” Psychologists define a Burnout as essentially an emotional problem that has physical manifestations; a psychosomatic state, where underlying causes like stress, anxiety or excessive overload of physical work lead to lack of interest. However, there are several ways in which you can prevent burnout and manage stress better.

Getting Started: 

It is vital to start the day with something that lowers your anxiety levels. This is akin to taking an antidepressant early in the day. However, rather than consuming pills, you need to invest time in some form of soothing activity, like a few minutes of yoga or meditation. Combine this with simple things like sipping tea when seated snugly in your balcony or doing a few stretches.

Keeping Yourself Energized: 

Most people suffering from burnout tend to have lower energy levels. A simple way to negate this state of lethargy is consuming a lot of fluids throughout the day. Stay away from the sugar-concentrated drinks. Don’t overdo the coffee bit either. Stick to healthier choices like green tea, nimbu paani, buttermilk and plain water.

Detangle Yourself: 

Try to set some boundaries. Mostly, Burnout sets-in when you start taking on too much work or start doing too many things that you don’t want to. Just try to give yourself a break from being the person everybody can depend upon. This includes taking a break from counseling depressed friends over the phone or taking on extra work at the office.

De-Tech Yourself: 

Try to reduce your dependency on your gadgets. Many people have an unacknowledged form of anxiety that is mainly due to constant checking of emails or SMS on handheld devices. For a few days, disengage yourself from the habit of staying connected all the time. Less worrying helps to reduce burnout tendencies.

Rediscover Your Hobbies: 

Indulge in something that you have been ignoring due to a hectic lifestyle. This could be creative things like writing and reading, or doing something more physical like working-out at the gym.

Seek Help: 

Talk about your state of mind to the people who care about you. There is no shame in admitting that you are going through a low phase and need time to recharge your batteries. This will ensure that people will reduce the pressure on you, at least for a while. This might also mean seeking extra support from your colleagues and family. Don’t hesitate to do so. Help is essentially reciprocal and you shouldn’t mind asking for it, when the chips are down. 

If things have really gotten out of hand and you have developed serious issues like insomnia or depression, it is time to get counseling. A couple of sessions with a therapist can be very helpful in getting control of the situation.

Get Organized: 

You need to plan-out a recovery phase for yourself. This means taking a sheet of paper and marking-out things that need your attention no matter what, i.e. inescapable responsibilities. Follow this with the kind of chores you can excuse for the time being. Plan the next few weeks in such a way that you set aside at least one hour on a daily basis for doing something you like. This could be something as basic taking a stroll in the garden or jogging to your favorite bakery and digging into your beloved, sweet treats.

Take a Holiday: 

Taking a vacation is perhaps the best solution to combating a burnout. This could be a family vacation or a travel plan that includes only you, individually exploring new things. The absence of daily chores at work or 

home will help you.

Address Your Pain: 

Acknowledging your pain is perhaps the most important aspects of dealing with a Burnout. All of us are prone to suffering from some kind of loss. This includes financial or emotional loss; anything that induces a sense of sorrow. The other type of pain that people tend to carry is repentance. Many times, we aren't able to confess things and they start to weigh on our conscience. Over a period, this begins to deplete our reserves of positive energy. Lastly, you could be suffering from an idealistic loss such as realizing that your career or life isn't progressing according to your ideals or the goals you had established. Whatever might be the reason, try to address and solve such issues and if that is not possible, 

at least discuss them.

A burnout may or may not require professional help, depending upon the severity of the symptoms. However, a serious, burnout episode can be easily prevented by recognizing it before it grips you. Whenever you find yourself frustrated or irrigated without a precise reason and lack of sleep hits you for more than a few days, try to take a break and 

re-organize yourself.