In order to break the cycle of burnout, it is important to observe and identify your burn events, prepare for those you can identify, and recover from each. — Dr. Kate Steiner
Life is ruff, and it can kick your ass sometimes. Nowadays, so many people are busy with work (and sometimes being overworked) that trying to maintain a healthy personal life can seem impossible.
We work 9-5, Monday through Friday (if you work in corporate), and then have about two days to yourself before going back to work.
And no, work technically is not the problem. But how can we find a good work/personal life without getting burnt out and feeling empty at the end of the work week?
Recently, I told my therapist that we, as humans, were not created to be put on this earth to wake up, go to work, maybe get a workout in, go home, eat, sleep, and repeat.
One of the best advice that I can give is to know when your mental health is going down and take a day off. We are not robots. We are not supposed to work day in and day out. You need to give yourself a break once in a while. It might not be a vacation, but taking one day for extra sleep, treating your body right, or even getting away from work can make a big difference.
Try going out if you work from home or don’t want to be stuck there. You don’t have to go to a club or a party. But a nice walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air can be good. You can even schedule a time to visit a family member or get lunch with a friend if you need human interaction.
Something that can be helpful is finding a hobby to be excited about during your weekend, whether that’s going to the gym, a painting or yoga session, or going to an event.
Textbook terms define burnout as “a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It happens when we experience too much emotional, physical, and mental fatigue for too long.”
In simpler terms, being burned out is not having the energy to do things you might want to do outside of work.
The feeling of being mentally and emotionally drained is taxing on the body. When I’m burned out, I don’t want to do anything. I get detached from work and my responsibilities to the point where I don’t want to do anything.
It’s fine to feel detached from life. I believe we all feel that way at some point. But we can’t stay in the space forever. It’s not healthy.
Instead, recognize where you are. Acknowledge your feelings. And start the healing process in the best way you can.
Nadine Bourne's Blog 