LaceyI have a confession: I am forever at high-risk for burnout. Burnout happens when you are so overwhelmed, stressed, overworked that you start to become physically and emotionally exhausted. I think this seems to happen to me more commonly around the holidays. It seems that everything gets stressful with family, as well as things at work or school. I’m aware of my desire to do a lot and how that can sometimes be my Achilles heel in life. I also know I am not alone in this.
Burnout can happen to anyone and here are some great ways to tell if you’re getting there and how to overcome it.
Ways to Tell You’re Burned Out
- Becoming cynical or apathetic about things
- Having difficulty concentrating and/or staying focused
- Always feeling tired
- Feeling anxious, depressed, and/or angry
- Seeming to get sick more often and feeling achy
Ways to Feel Better
- Analyze all that you need to do and see if any activities can be (temporarily) let go of
- Practice self-care
- Take a Mental Health Day
- Unplug for a day
- Get some good sleep
Ways to Prevent Burnout Next Time Around
- Learn your limits
- Say “no” if you want to
- Go slower and set your pace. Don’t be afraid to take a breather
The biggest thing to do is be aware of how you’re feeling. I know I’m prone to burnout because I like to do a lot of things at once. I am very passionate about several causes and dedicate a lot of my time to them. However, I also know how important it is to engage in self-care activities. It’s also helpful to know your limits and to avoid letting others put too many expectations on you. Hopefully by doing check-ins with yourself every so often and being more aware of how you experience burnout, you can avoid it and keep on doing awesome things.
Grace H
Greta
Comments
17Thanks just what I need.
Very good post for preventative steps and intervention. Much needed during this time of the year!
You know today I missed a baby shower and the girl who was having it is my friend and I didn’t go because I feel like I care to much about other people that I never stop to think what do I need but even with me saying this I am sitting here thinking about how sorry I am and ways to make it up to her I find myself crying all the time I hurt so much and then getting fussed at by my foster parent just didn’t help the way I feel its like no matter what I do nothing is ever enough or never is just what everyone else wants me to do. And I don’t know what to do I just texted my biological mother and told her I wish I didn’t have such a big caring heart sometimes I wish that I didn’t care about people so much. Because in the end I’m always hurt.so I said to myself I wish I could just die and I Sat here thinking who would really honestly miss me if I was gone and no one came to mind l. But I have no plans to kill myself it just seems like people would be happier if I was gone
Bryanna, Sounds like you are struggling with some tough emotions lately. Please do not hesitate to call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We are here to listen!
Just a note to say thanks for the reminder phone number here at Lifeline!
Thanks, this will help me! I just need to calm down!
Stress is one of the biggest causes of depression, leading to suicide, and therefore, has to be managed. Exercise is one of the best ways I know to deal with my stress.
Learning to say no to commitments that stretch people too thin is important. We need to know certain triggers or events that lead to anxiety.
I’m so ugly.. I’m so alone..
I am sorry to hear you are feeling so alone right now but hurting yourself is never the answer. Don’t hesitate to call The Lifeline for support at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We are here for you 24/7/365.
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re no longer really much more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize thus considerably in the case of this matter, made me in my view consider it from so many various angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated until it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. At all times maintain it up!
Thank you for reaching out to our community and encouraging others! The Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).The call is free and confidential and counselors are available 24/7.
I’m just feeling depressed and lost. I’m a physician working alone. I’m over 60. All I do is work and get chased by bills I can’t pay (utilities, rent, etc.). Frequently I don’t file insurance for months bec I’m so tired and depressed. I have nothing for retirement. I’ll be working the day I die. My wife nearly died 2 years ago after being on a ventilator for 2 months. She is frequently confused but at home. Her demented mother lives with us. My son is in an outpt program for depression. I have no desire to do anything. Life looks like a void that I wish would just obliterate me., Wife sick of hearing me complain. She doesn’t cook, clean or work. I can’t afford hobbies. I don’t know what to do. can’t afford counseling. Wouldn’t hurt myself or anyone else.
Hi Peter, we’re so sorry for all the struggles you are going through and we want to help. If life ever feels like it’s not worth living, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you. The crisis workers can help see if there are any resources like affordable counseling in your area as well!
İnteresting. Learning to say no to commitments that stretch people too thin is important. We need to know certain triggers or events that lead to anxiety.
Very good post. Thank You! Stress is one of the biggest causes of depression. We needed this information in this quarantine period.
Very good post. We needed this information during this corona virus pandemia.