In this current climate, it's no wonder that stress and anxiety levels have sky rocketed, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. You've probably heard the term 'burnout' countless times, especially during the past year. But, what is burnout? And what are the warning signs?
Keep scrolling to discover the signs of burnout, what it is and how to avoid burnout so that you can arm yourself with the correct coping techniques to ensure that you stay healthy, happy and maintain your feel-great!
1. What Is Burnout?
Burnout can be described as a state of severe physical, emotional burnout and mental exhaustion. We all feel tired and fatigued from time to time. But, someone who is dealing with burnout will find it very challenging to complete day-to-day activities and struggle to cope with stress.
Burnout can remove the joy from your career, friendships and even interfere with your relationships with family members. As humans, we are only programmed to handle feeling stressed and overworked for a limited amount of time. If you constantly experience high levels of stress, for example a high-pressured job, an unwell family member or you're working long hours and you don't look after yourself and take the correct steps to manage it, this can leave you feeling extremely exhausted and emotionally and physically burned out.
2. What Are The Signs Of Burnout?
Burnout is currently not a diagnosable psychological disorder, however this certainly doesn't mean that it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout doesn't happen overnight and you will gradually notice the symptoms. According to psychologists Herbert Freudenberge and Gail North, there are 12 phases of burnout that we go through before we mentally and physically collapse. At first, you feel an excessive drive and ambition to succeed. Then, you will start to feel depressed, exhausted, withdrawn and like you can't cope.
If you're concerned that you are dealing with burnout, the main signs and symptoms to lookout for are:
Feeling Exhausted
- You may feel drained, tired, not able to cope and you may lack in energy to complete work-related tasks. Burnout can also lead to mental health issues including depression and anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
- Too much stress can trigger physical symptoms and leave you feeling unwell with headaches and stomach aches. Burnout can also lower your immune system; making you more prone to the common cold, flu and even insomnia.
Isolation
- People who suffer with burnout tend to stop socializing with friends and family as a result of feeling too overwhelmed.
Reduced Performance And Lack Of Interest At Work
- You might find it difficult when concentrating on everyday tasks at work. You may have a negative attitude towards your work, feel numb and lack in creativity.
3. How To Avoid Burnout
Everyday life comes with unexpected and often stressful moments that can be tricky to avoid, that's just part of human nature. Think about it, your car could break down, you might spill coffee down your top or, your Teams might crash during important work meetings (we've all been there). On the flipside, burnout is preventable, you just need to know how to manage stress effectively. If you're looking for tips on how to avoid burnout, we suggest following these simple lifestyle changes that will help boost your feel-good and prevent stress from becoming all too overwhelming.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
- Struggling to catch your forty winks? According to sleep expert Christabel Majendie, consistently sleeping less than 6-7 hours per night is linked to long-term health problems such as heart disease and mental health issues. So, if you want to avoid burnout, ditch the caffeine before bed, put away your phone and allow yourself to relax and unwind from the stresses of your day. If you're feeling indulgent, run yourself a bath with our bestselling Liquid Yoga Bath Soak, infused with aromatherapy essential oils including Cannabis Seed Oil, herbs and minerals to help you reach your ultimate state of blissful zen.
Eat The Rainbow
- Make sure that you're getting the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to be healthy and energised. 3pm slump? We know the chocolate bar is tempting and although more research is needed, studies have found that eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids including fish and walnuts might help improve your mood.
Prioritize And Delegate
- Prioritize your workload and decide which tasks are most urgent and focus on those first. If you feel that nothing is being ticked off on your to-do list, don't be afraid to delegate certain tasks to a co-worker. You're only one person and it is impossible to do everything yourself! So, give yourself a break and know that you're doing a great job.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
- Don't suffer in silence! Although asking for help might feel difficult and daunting, speaking with a family member or a loved one that you trust can help you avoid burnout and feel supported. If you are dealing with the any of the above and they are affecting your ability to function in your normal life, you feel hopeless or have a constant low mood, it's important that you consult your doctor or talk to a therapist to help you explore coping methods when in stressful, high-pressure situations that could lead to burnout.
Exercise
- It's been said time and again, but exercise is incredibly beneficial for your mental and overall wellbeing. If you're working from home and sitting at a desk all day, check out our list of our favourite at-home booty workouts to help tone, firm and sculpt your butt whilst helping to release those mood-boosting endorphins. Or, you could try going for an invigorating and refreshing run.
Your Post-Workout Feel-Good Routine
There's nothing better than feeling that magical rush of endorphins after completing a workout. Extend those feel-good vibes with a post-workout bodycare routine like no other with our Workout Wonders Range. Charged with plant-based actives and 100% natural feel-good fragrances, this curated range of highly effective bodycare will enhance your fit and healthy lifestyle. You can rinse away your workout with our Dive In Bodywash, keep your tummy area strong and tight with Get Waisted Sculpting Serum. Lock-in hydration with Smooth Move Body Cream that is clinically proven* to help your skin look firmer and smooth the appearance of cellulite. And, if you're feeling like your bum cheeks need some TLC, slather on our clinically proven* Peachy Cheeks Butt Cream to gently exfoliate and improve the skin texture and tone of your bum, for the peachiest cheeks ever!
*Independent clinical trial
Disclaimer: Burnout does not go away on its own. If not dealt with, it can lead to serious illnesses including depression and heart disease. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms and they're affecting your everyday life, it's important that you consult with your doctor or a therapist.
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