From Fitness, wellness guru and nutrition expert Penny Weston who has reported a shocking three-fold increase in people coming to see her with burnout since before the pandemic.
Since lockdown has ended life has become busy again. People’s work, social and family lives have, in most cases, returned to the complex web of obligations to juggle. Consequently, our time and energy is pushed to the limit and for many people it’s increasingly more difficult to switch off the mind and body and as a result burnout is almost inevitable. Fortunately there are a number of ways that we learn to switch off in order to avoid this happening.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is the key to staying both physically and mentally fit, healthy and happy, and a large part of this is because it enables you to properly switch off from the stress and worries of everyday life. Research suggests that even just going for a walk can help to reduce anxiety, depression and low moods as well as boosting self-esteem.
When we exercise the body releases chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which boost our sense of well-being and suppress hormones that cause anxiety.
Fortunately there is now a greater range of exercise classes and sports out there than ever before. The important thing is don't be put off if you've never done it before - it's never too late to start a new fitness class. It's usually a good idea just to check with your GP before embarking on something new.
It doesn't have to be running for hours or lifting huge weights at a gym, the key is experimenting until you find something you enjoy and is a suitable level for you. That way it won't feel like a chore to do and you'll want to do it more as a result.
And don't forget that it doesn't have to be what's considered "traditional" forms of exercise. Nowadays there really are so many options available, from trampolining to boxing to Zumba to freshwater swimming, all of which help you to switch off.
Delegate
There tends to be a coping mechanism in most of us that means we are reluctant to ask for help. However, the truth is that if you don't do this you won’t allow yourself time to be able to properly switch off, and a burnout is almost inevitable as a result.
It could mean delegating tasks at work if you're struggling with a heavy workload, or asking other family members to pull their weight more if you're struggling to keep up at home. Whatever it is you decide to delegate, it’s important that you don’t see it as a failure, but in fact as a way of managing workload to reduce stress.
Meditate
Focus on your wellbeing from a positive point of view by looking at ways that can build resilience. Focus on switching off activities like yoga and meditation. These can help you learn to adapt to change and be strong for all that is coming. Meditations on https://welcometomade.com are on demand, perfect for improving our emotional intelligence, helping us to switch off and avoid burnout.
Plan in advance
Improve your planning in any way you can, whether that’s an online diary tool or a physical list. By planning your day/week you can ensure that you allow time for switching off from work/childcare/stress by doing an activity such as yoga, meditation or simply reading a book. It may seem like such a simple thing but many people find themselves suffering from burnout because they don’t make the best use of their time when in fact if you sit down and plan your time properly you will not only feel more in control but also make the most of the time you’ve got.
Say ‘no’
So many of us are people-pleasers who find it hard or impossible to say no to things. Whether that’s social invites, work meetings or family obligations. Remember however that saying ‘no’ is not a negative trait, it is in fact something that we all need to learn to do more.Try not to feel obliged when you receive an invitation to something that you might not have the time or energy for, and remember that saying ‘no’ can actually be empowering and help to allow you to retain time to switch off and avoid a burnout.
