Finding Freedom from Burnout

Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or overwhelmed?

Many of us endure tough days and find the energy to start fresh the next day. But if you find yourself carrying these heavy emotions on your shoulders day in and day out, you’ll begin to feel the burdening effects of burnout.

What’s burnout and how does it affect me?

Simply stated, burnout occurs when you experience excessive and constant stress. Over days and weeks of feeling persistent pressure and fatigue, burnout will manifest itself as a triple-punch to you by attacking your physical, mental, and emotional states of being.

If you’re burned out, you may be experiencing:

• A loss of interest in things you’re regularly involved in

• A lack of motivation to do even simple tasks

• Depleted energy levels

• An increase of anxiety

• A decreased amount of sleep

• A loss of appetite

• Strained personal relationships and irritability

• Lessened productivity at work and home

Because burnout is a gradual process, some people won’t notice they’re burned out until their systems are already pushed past their limits. It’s important to recognize your body’s responses to stress and avoid the symptoms of burnout before it’s too late.

But what if you’re already burned out from the constant stress caused by work, family obligations, personal commitments, and unexpected hardships? Finding freedom from burnout might be easier than you think, and the reward is well worth the effort.

Related: What Are the Effects of Stress on the Body

Freedom from burnout

If you think you’re stuck in a state of burnout, there are plenty of solutions that can help you feel back to your normal self. Consider a few of these helpful ways to diminish your burnout levels:

• Prioritize. Everybody has the same 24 hours in each day, but how you choose to spend them makes all the difference in your health. By organizing your priorities, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure you have a path to follow. This list will help you feel more productive during the day and it will help you stay on track to accomplish the tasks that are most important to you.

• Connect. Those who experience burnout may find it’s easier to turn inward and dwell in the heavy emotions caused by burnout. One way to find freedom from burnout is to reach out for a helping hand. Connect with a trusted friend, a family member, therapist, or support group. Burnout is common among other adults, and you’re not alone! With the right network of support, you’ll find new solutions that will help you break free from burnout’s grasp.

• Self-care. Burnout could be intensified by the desire to please others and put your loved ones first. While these aren’t negative intentions, they can often bring extra stress and discomfort to your life. Find ways to balance your needs with the needs of those you support and care for. Exercising frequently, practicing mindfulness daily, stopping to enjoy the nice weather, or even learning how you can say yes or no to certain requests are all ways to reduce your burnout levels.

Sticking to these general practices can significantly improve your mental, physical, and emotional states of being. Even if you don’t feel burdened by burnout, following these suggested practices can prevent you from falling victim to burnout.

Related: What Are the Effects of Stress on the Body?