If there is a single word that a life and relationship coach will hear more than any other throughout 2022, it is burnout.
Recognised as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ by the World Health Organisation in 2019, burnout is a physical and emotional exhaustion made up of three main aspects.
· Exhaustion or feeling drained,
· Feeling isolated or distant,
· Cynicism and negativity.
Whilst it is mostly associated with the pressures of work, particularly high-stress professional jobs such as lawyers and doctors, it can also be caused by other major parts of our lives where we do not feel in control.
Thankfully, there are ways to readjust ourselves and develop effective ways to cope and build resilience in our day to day lives. Here are some top tips to help reduce and relieve burnout.
Ensure You Have Space And Time To Be You
Reflection is a critical part of a healthy psyche, but to truly process your emotions and feelings about your life, you need space and time dedicated just to yourself.
Whether this takes the form of a daily walk, a meditation session or another quiet, relaxing activity, make sure you allow yourself the space to be you. These supportive rituals will also have the side effect of improving productivity in the long run.
Focus On What Makes You Value Most
One of the most foundational parts of burnout is the internal idea that all you have currently is as good as it will get for you, and a fundamental part of breaking through burnout is reconnecting with your dreams, values and the parts of life you value the most.
This can be as simple as a meal out with a loved one, planning a holiday or retreating into a good book, but it is vital to find and embrace the parts of life that bring you joy.
Break The Patterns and Cycles Of Life
Burnout can make days and weeks feel like a never-ending treadmill that lacks variety, and it is vital to engage with new aspects of life to keep our minds stimulated, filled with creative thoughts and ideas.
Exactly what this entails will differ depending on the person. For some it is about a small shift to a routine, such as a weekend on holiday, working in a different place or changing your morning and bedtime routines, but in other cases, it can mean a more drastic change such as switching jobs.