We have all been there. Always feel like running on empty, unable to keep up with the demands of our high-stress job or environments. It’s part of our era. Everything is and feels so hectic. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. But, don’t think you are the only one juggling with a busy schedule and already planning the next appointment or activity to come. And it’s an annoying feeling! Nothing is worse than feeling detached from the things and people that used to bring us joy.
Burnout is real. In today's society, this is a common occurrence. And each one of us can be affected. No one is immune to burnout - regardless of their way of life. The problem is that if we do not try to conserve or eliminate it, it will affect both our mental health and professional performance. Even the simplest activities will seem daunting! And it can make you feel like you’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Fortunately, we have the resources to solve it. Several strategies can help you navigate through burnout while practicing healthcare and self-care. And it’s time we understood what we could do to combat burnout.
Well, as in any situation we need to understand the problem in order for us to tackle it. So, the key to solving burnout is to understand it.
Look. We get it. When you’re continually pushed to meet certain deadlines or deal with unpleasant situations, it’s easy to feel depleted. Some may say that it’s part of the process - but we disagree. Nobody should be put in such situations, no matter the work. We find it hard to believe that a middle ground can’t be met where people don’t have to stress out regarding their deadlines and completely ignore self-care. And if you are a manager, do you want your employees to feel excited about their work or to live in constant burnout? There’s only one answer to this question, and you know it!
We cannot joke about burnout and healthcare. Burnouts usually start and go untouched till it’s too late. So, what are the symptoms of burnout? Headaches, fatigue, and the feeling of constantly feeling tired are the most common signs of burnout. Even more so, you can have a change in appetite, stomach aches and issues, and even negative feelings toward your job and your performance.
Even if we feel these symptoms at work - they will not stop at home, so prevention is key for a healthy mind and your well-being. Burnout, at its root, is a state of emotional, bodily, and mental exhaustion produced by chronic stress exposure. So, you need to power through to get back to your initial state. However, if you feel detached from your career, relationships, or even yourself, you might be dealing with burnout.
It’s difficult to find joy or fulfillment in the activities that you used to enjoy if you do not deal with burnout. And most people don’t know that ignoring your well-being is the problem! They will say that “it’s just a period” or “it’s nothing, it will pass”. Well, the truth is that it’s a real problem that needs to be faced. You have to strive to get rid of burnout feelings.
Stress or sadness is not synonymous with burnout. Stress appears on a case-by-case basis, while burnout is a persistent disease that can have long-term consequences for every person’s health and well-being.
So, to avoid and prevent burnout we need to always take care of ourselves.
There is no other way! Set aside time for the hobbies or activities that you love. And, if you were buried up at work and didn’t remember what brought you joy, start from the beginning and try old activities. Maybe, you have the chance to find something that will stay with you forever.
Another crucial consideration is ensuring that both your body and mind receive adequate care by taking frequent breaks and being mindful of the need for rest. Rest every night - use sleep apps if you don’t and prioritise your well-being and mental health. Measure your sleep quality to make sure you get the best out of your rest time.
However, in your self-care journey, you will also need a healthy, balanced diet that can take you a long way! It’s important how you start your morning - it will dictate the rest of your day. And, if you start your day with a little movement your serotonin levels will skyrocket.
Outside of work, it may also be a great idea to have supportive connections with friends and family members. Or, you can also seek professional counseling or therapy. Burnout can lead to depression. And, if you don’t know what you are feeling you might try and talk to a therapist. It might give you some fresh perspectives and will help you get out of this vicious cycle called burnout.
You need to understand that self-care is not a selfish or indulgent process! It’s vital for your health and well-being. When you take care of yourself, you will be able to handle the challenges of your career and remain resilient to stress.
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