Combat Burnout by Prioritizing Rest
Have you found yourself losing motivation or questioning the importance of your work? This might be a sign that you are experiencing burnout.
According to Statistica, 36% of employees report having experienced moderate levels of burnout.
Fall can be a challenging season for everyone as burnout starts creeping up on us. Schedules are filling up, the sun is beginning to hide, and it feels like a million midterms are due or work project deadlines are approaching. It is hard to find time to rest, especially when it is getting too cold to enjoy the outdoors and go on pleasant walks.
Why does burnout happen? How can rest help combat burnout?
Mayo Clinic has published many possible signs of burnout. These signs include:
Lack of motivation
Questioning the importance of your work
Feeling removed from community
Trouble focusing
Doubting your skills and abilities
Loss of patience
Numbing your feelings with food, drugs, or alcohol
Change in sleep habits
Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical pains
If you have felt yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, do not let them completely consume you.
Yes, burnout is scary, but it is preventable.
There are things you can do to stop yourself from reaching intense burnout and steps you can take to recover from it. Take a look at a few listed below.
Take time to remind yourself why you work.
What is your purpose? Why are you doing this in the first place? Journal your underlying motivations for work and look at them every day to remember your purpose.
Refill your tank.
Cleveland Clinic discusses how important it is to refill yourself when you are feeling depleted. What gives you rest? In this fall season, this might look like carving pumpkins with your family! Bake banana bread, decorate seasonal cookies, take a nap, or cuddle up with a book and some tea. Just because it’s getting colder outside doesn’t mean there aren’t relaxing indoor activities to find joy in. Do not make these activities something you do occasionally, but make them a habit. This might look like getting an extra hour of sleep every night or intentionally spending more time with family each day.
Take a break or make a change if needed.
Cleveland Clinic states that this is a vital step in the recovery process. You might not see improvement if you don’t intentionally take time to rest. Make it a goal to instill healthy habits in your life, and ask for help if you feel stuck.
Seek support from loved ones.
We were not made to do this life on our own. Mayo Clinic discusses how talking with others and gaining a sense of belonging can protect against burnout. There may be support services at your job or a mentor who has gone through something similar to you and can offer encouragement.
Exercise!
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to combat stress. Going on a run, short walk, or even doing an in-home workout can help. Exercising releases endorphins, which can help boost your mood and productivity.
Remember not to let burnout defeat you.
You can take action steps to combat it. Make sure to implement rest times in your daily life and talk to someone if you feel stuck or unable to implement healthy changes.