If you are stuck in a rut it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Burn out is a thing that can affect every aspect of your life, from how you work, to how you interact with your family. Here are a few tips for you to help recognize burn out before it gets too late, and how to combat it before you spiral into a deep depression.
1) Recognize the signs
Are you finding it harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning? Feeling completely exhausted but unable to sleep? Do you dread going back to the office? Feel like your shoulders weigh you down? Do you no longer look forward to activities you once enjoyed? You may be suffering from burnout.
2) Know who is at risk
Despite the fact that many perceive people with burnout to be lazy, it is often the opposite that is true. People suffering from burnout are often the people who do everything for everybody all the time. They don’t have any time for themselves because they are so busy working toward completing everything they feel they are “supposed” to do.
3) Ask for help
You need to ask for help before things get too difficult. This may be turning to a loved one, a colleague or a mental health professional. You don’t need to do anything too advanced, just let them know you are feeling overwhelmed. If they do not react in a supportive manner, turn to someone else, until you get the support you need.
4) Learn to say no
One of the tools someone who suffers from burn-out needs to learn is to say “no” when they do not have the time or ability to take on a new task. Practice saying no and remaining firm if you do not want to do something. This applies even if you want to do something, but you know you just do not have the time.
5) Relax
I’m sure if you suffer from burn out you hear everyone telling you that what you need to do is “just relax”, but to combat burnout you do need to improve your relaxation skills. Consider signing up for a class in meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to help center your mind. If that does not help, set aside a period of time in the evenings to just relax in a bubble bath or get a monthly massage. Key is to make time for yourself.
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