Learn How to Prevent Burnout and Restore Balance in your Life
Garden of Thoughts, Tuesday Edition, 3-min read.
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Burnout syndrome, also known as emotional exhaustion syndrome, is a physical and mental response to prolonged exposure to stressful situations.
Burnout syndrome, also known as emotional exhaustion syndrome, is a physical and mental response to prolonged exposure to stressful situations. It is characterized by excessive tiredness and a lack of restful sleep, which can lead to difficulty in performing daily tasks.
It is crucial to recognize the signs of burnout and take appropriate measures to prevent it, such as taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities.
Sleep is just one aspect of physical rest. If we still feel tired after sleeping, it may be due to neglecting other areas.
In today's world, it's easy to become sensory tired from over-stimulation, especially from social media.
Additionally, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual fatigue can also contribute to feeling tired.
Fortunately, there are ways to rest and find balance in all of these areas.
7 types of rest
Sleep may provide physical rest, but according to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, there are actually 7 types of rest necessary to prevent burnout.
1. Physical rest
Sleep deprivation and overtraining drain your body of energy. There are two types of physical rest, passive and active:
Passive
Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Take naps (if necessary).
Active rest
Stretch.
Get a massage.
Use an ergonomic chair + desk.
2. Mental rest
A mental rest deficit is caused by overloading your mind.
Write down and make lists of what you need to do (cleaning, shopping, etc.).
Create a closing ritual to separate work from life.
Take a break from solving problems.
Meditate.
3. Social break
Evaluate your relationships.
Spend more time with people who give you energy.
Spend less time with people who drain your energy.
If you are introverted, set aside time to be alone.
4. Spiritual pause
Be part of something bigger than yourself.
Volunteer.
Work in a job that feels meaningful.
Participate in faith-based activities (if they align with your belief system).
5. Sensory break
The modern system is overstimulating.
Take a break from social media.
Turn off notifications (sounds and visual alerts).
Limit video conferencing.
Create a relaxing night-time environment (soothing music, candles, etc.).
6. Emotional rest
An emotional rest deficit occurs when you feel you cannot be authentic. Example: A flight attendant who must always smile in spite of rude passengers.
Spend time with people you can be authentic with.
Try talking to a therapist to release emotional labour.
Do activities you enjoy and where you can be yourself.
7. Take a creative break
Appreciate beauty in all its forms, whether natural or man-made:
Natural
Enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
Take a walk in nature.
Artificial
Visit a museum or an art festival.
Listen to inspiring music, books, documentaries, etc.
Of course, it is beneficial to accompany this process with a notebook or other place to write down your discoveries about yourself and the ways in which you are being nurtured in the process.
Thank you for reading.
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