It would be fair to say that mental health has become much more understood over recent years. Whether via the media or simply through more understanding employers, there is much more information out there than ever before.
We’re now at a stage where heading to the doctors or talking to your insurer about mental health isn’t the taboo it may once have been. It’s wholly accepted – and this acceptance is becoming more widespread.
One sub-topic of mental health comes in the form of burnout. While the workplace is one area that is commonly affected, in truth, burnout can impact every element of your life. It might be hobbies, exercising – the list can go on.
If you’ve got to the stage where you feel swamped, exhausted and just overwhelmed, burnout might be the cause. Today, we’ll now take a look at five ways you can look to stop it in its tracks.
Understand The Difference Between Stress and Burnout
The first step is understanding the difference between stress and burnout. It’s easy to mix the two up, but they couldn’t be more different. Stress is a response to a demand, whereas burnout is a long-term state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.
In other words, stress is a reaction, while burnout is a result.
Don’t Rely on Caffeine
The next step is to avoid relying on caffeine to get you through the day. Caffeine is a short-term fix that will only worsen the problem in the long run. Instead, focus on getting a good night’s sleep.
In truth, we could talk about any other stimulate at this point, with alcohol probably being another option for some people. The same rules apply – avoid the short-term fixes, and get to the root of the problem.
Take a Break
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is take a break. This doesn’t mean you have to take a week off work; instead, take a few minutes out of your day to clear your head. Go for a walk, have a cup of tea, or just step away from your workstation.
Set Some Boundaries
One of the issues that can lead to burnout is not having any boundaries. If you’re someone who is always available, whether that’s for work or for friends and family, it’s important to start setting some boundaries.
Let people know that you’re not available 24/7, and you’ll start to feel much better for it.
Talk to Someone
Finally, if you’re starting to feel like you’re struggling, talking to someone is essential. This could be a friend, a family member, or even a professional. The main thing is that you get everything off your chest.
Burnout can be a genuine problem, but it can also be avoided. By following the tips above, you should be able to nip it in the bud before it has a chance to take hold.
