Burnout is a term that refers to the mental, emotional and physical exhaustion that’s caused by chronic stress. It’s normal to feel stress periodically throughout life. A little worry is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you’re in a constant state of physical, emotional or mental stress, it’s only a matter of time until you begin to harm your health.
Burnout can cause a wide variety of symptoms that interfere with your ability to meet your daily responsibilities. Here’s how burnout affects the body and what you can do to combat it.
Symptoms of Burnout
There are many symptoms that often accompany burnout. You may experience all of them or just some of them. Here are some of the most common indications you may be dealing with burnout.
- Detachment in personal and professional relationships
- Lower resistance to illness
- Physical, emotional and mental exhaustion
- Detachment and demotivation from your work and daily responsibilities
- Decreased productivity
- Consistently depleted energy levels
- Pessimistic view of life and/or work
- Excessive time away from work
Symptoms of burnout don’t typically appear all at once because it takes time for the condition to develop. While it’s important to seek help when you experience these symptoms, it’s better to avoid getting to that point in the first place.
How To Avoid Burnout
Now that you know how serious burnout can be, it’s time to learn how to avoid it. Here are a few things you can do to minimize excessive stress in your life so you don’t experience the panic and hopelessness of burnout.
- Exercise: Exercising regularly is great for our physical health and can also release feel-good hormones that help maintain your mental health. If you struggle to exercise, Newport Medical and Wellness Center has a guided, personalized training program that can help you build strength, balance and coordination.
- Get sufficient sleep: Your body requires a minimum amount of sleep in order to repair itself and function properly. Without sufficient sleep, you’re much more likely to develop burnout. If you have trouble getting to sleep, try avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening, banning smartphones from the bedroom and following a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Eat Nutritious Foods: When you’re stressed, it’s normal to crave “comfort” foods that aren’t necessarily good for you. If you indulge in highly processed meals and treats, you increase systemic inflammation in your body and exacerbate your feelings of stress and anxiety. To give your body the tools it needs to handle stress in a healthy way, it’s important to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods.
- Take time for yourself: To avoid burnout, it’s very important to take time for yourself. You may choose to get out and talk a relaxing walk, schedule a massage with Newport Health and Wellness Center, or engage in an enjoyable hobby.
- Ask for help: Don’t be embarrassed about getting help if you don’t know how to manage your chronic stress levels. A professional can equip you with coping techniques and suggestions for how to eliminate and avoid excess stress in your life.
Burnout is quite common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you’re currently feeling the symptoms of this condition, follow the steps above for restoring balance to your life.
