Not many people get through life without experiencing burnout at some point. Whether it’s from working more than one job, taking care of a sick loved one, or juggling family life while going back to school, burnout is real, and it negatively impacts your life and health.
Common Signs of Burnout
If you think you may be experiencing burnout but are unsure, here are some of the most common signs:
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Feeling overwhelmed
- A need to isolate
- Fantasies of escaping
- Irritability
- Frequent illnesses such as colds and flues
5 Ways to Prevent Burnout
Exercise
You know exercise is necessary for your physical health, but it is also fantastic for your mental and emotional health as well. Physical activity helps our bodies secrete feel-good hormones, which give our mood a boost. So be sure to commit to exercising at least 3-4 times a week.
Get Enough Rest
It’s essential to get enough restorative sleep each night. Sleep not only helps our bodies build and repair new tissue, but it helps us be able to feel calm and focus.
If you have trouble getting enough ZZZZZs each night, skip caffeinated beverages past 2 pm, ban smartphones and other electronics from the bedroom, and establish a relaxing nighttime ritual like meditation, reading, or taking a bath.
Validate Your Feelings
“Keep calm and carry on.” That’s a fun saying for a throw pillow, but it’s not always the best advice. Sometimes it’s important to admit that you are struggling and that you need a break.
Remember to Play
Just because you’re an adult, that doesn’t mean you don’t need some downtime to just have fun. Whether you want to play a sport, enjoy a hobby, or go to the theater, be sure to make time each week to enjoy yourself and your life.
Ask for Help
During stressful times, it’s important to reach out to others for help. Sometimes all we need is a friendly ear to listen to what’s on our minds and hearts. Let your friends and family know you could use a little support.
If your stress levels don’t seem to go down, you may want to consider working with a counselor who can help you navigate your feelings and offer coping strategies to deal with the issues you have going on.
If you’d like to speak with someone, please reach out to me.
Therapy in Florida
If you’d like to schedule an appointment or get any of your questions answered, please call our office at 954-378-5381 and 561-223-1066 or send us an email at info@caringtherapistsofbroward.com.
Hi! I’m Sarah Flavien and I’m a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. I am so pleased that you’ve decided to take the next step on your journey to healing, transformation, and improved wellbeing. It takes courage, vulnerability, and commitment to live a life worth living and it is my belief that you have all the strength and wisdom within you to make the change you’ve been seeking. I would be so humbled and honored to be part of your journey.
I have worked with young emerging adults (21-35) for the past six years with a variety of issues. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety associated with high academic and professional achievement, student athlete mental health issues, depression, and grief and loss for adults of all ages. I am a gender affirming therapist and have experience working with individuals who are in the LGBTQ+ community.
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