Let’s face it, we live in a society that idolizes “the grind”. From side hustles to 24/7 connectivity to packed schedules, oftentimes we’re running on fumes. The result? Extreme burnout. Burnout is a very real experience that is hurting the health of far too many. According to a 2021 Indeed study, work burnout is on the rise, affecting nearly 60% of Millennial and Gen-Z populations. And it’s not just the workplace — burnout can occur in a variety of settings, from a multitude of factors.
The Mayo Clinic defines burnout as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” Burnout is a serious problem, and the World Health Organization has even classified it as an “occupational phenomenon.”
Ahead more about the common signs of burnout, plus some ways to combat it when taking time off may be difficult.
Identifying The Signs of Burnout
Burnout can look like many different things but what is characteristic is that burnout affects a person psychologically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Common symptoms of burnout include but are not limited to lack of energy and chronic fatigue, decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, increased forgetfulness, trouble sleeping, feelings of anxiety and depression, loss of enjoyment and pleasure, pessimism, apathy, and detachment.
Burnout can be caused by taking on more responsibilities than one can manage, poor social support, as well as poor self-care, and stress management. The thing about burnout is that it is typically an insidious and slow developer over time, making it crucial that we understand the signs and symptoms so that we can practice coping skills to help mitigate these feelings.
Experiencing burnout can be incredibly challenging and difficult to navigate, and the typical solution is usually taking time off so that you can rest and recharge. But what if you don’t have that as an option? Here are some suggestions to help you not only manage the experience of burnout but to also help decrease the chance of your experiencing burnout in the first place.
25 Simple Hacks to Beat Burnout
#1 Go To Bed 30 Minutes Earlier
Sleep is an essential part of both mental and physical well-being, and if you’re burnt out, your body is craving those extra Zzzzs. The opposite holds true, too — clinical burnout and sleep deprivation are intricately related. According to research, sleep disturbances result in chronic energy loss, and increased levels of stress. So, if you’re sleep-deprived, it will only exacerbate the symptoms you’re experiencing. The good news is that hitting the snooze button is a simple and supportive solution! Try getting to bed just 30 minutes earlier and work your way up until you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Trouble falling asleep? Listen to a free FitOn before bed meditation or create a classical music playlist. Research shows classical music helps support sleep.
#2 Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods
According to research, your diet can either help or harm your feelings of burnout! Reaching for nutrient-dense foods such as colorful fruits and veggies and lean protein has been shown to lower burnout symptoms. Need a snack? Go with almonds, a banana, or cherries. The mix of magnesium, calcium, and potassium helps your muscles relax and increase the feel-good hormone (serotonin).
#3 Go For A Walk
Just 10 minutes — even on a call — can reduce stress and help you soak in some mood-boosting vitamin D. This simple stroll helps to clear your head, physically removing you from any triggers or feelings of stress.
RELATED: The Amazing Benefits of Walking
#4 Say No Today
Saying no can be difficult, especially if you find yourself frequently overcommitting, but challenge yourself to say no to one thing today that doesn’t have a place in your schedule. Reducing your responsibility plate is a huge part of beating burnout or preventing it from happening in the first place. If you need help setting boundaries, here’s a good place to start!
#5 Call A Friend
You know that friend that instantly puts a smile on your face and helps you feel better? Set aside 30 minutes to call that friend today and check-in. Research shows simply talking about your problems can make you feel better. Plus, they could be needing the extra support too!
#6 Do a 5 Minute Meditation
Reduce stress today with a five-minute guided meditation. Research shows meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation, is a powerful tool to support mental wellbeing. Not sure where to start? Try this Mindful Awareness FitOn meditation with DeAndre.
#7 Do Yoga
Even a 15-minute evening flow can do wonders for both the mind and the body. Browse the yoga category in the FitOn app to find a flow that works for you. Rolling out your mat for a grounding flow has been shown to improve mental clarity and reduce the stress hormone, cortisol. Consider it self-care!
RELATED: This is What Happens to Your Body When You Do Yoga
#8 Schedule in 1 Hour of Interruption-Free Time
If your work to-do list is never-ending, try setting aside one hour (even 30 minutes) of laser-focused time where you work on your highest priority for the day. Getting the most important task done will likely leave you feeling a little less stressed as you go about the rest of your day.
#9 Take Mini-Breaks Every 1-2 Hours
We all have tons of things to do at work but don’t forget to take mini-breaks throughout the day. Getting up and stretching your legs and giving your eyes a break from the computer screen can leave you feeling recharged. Research shows short breaks can boost productivity and reduce stress!
#10 Adopt a Healthy Work-Life Balance
If a non-existent work-life balance has become a big source of your burnout, it’s time to set boundaries. Start small by turning work notifications off of your phone after working hours.
#11 Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook
While you’re washing dishes or folding laundry, listen to an uplifting podcast or inspirational audiobook — it may help give you that mood-boost you need as you tackle all of your to-dos.
#12 Add Cacao Nibs to Your Smoothie Bowl or Oatmeal
Some studies have suggested that the flavonoids found in cocoa contain mood-supporting properties, so go ahead and add a sprinkle to your breakfast.
#13 Make Your To-Do List Actionable
There’s nothing more stressful than looking at your to-do list on a Monday morning — the endless work task list is enough to make anyone feel burnt out. Today, revamp your to-do list by breaking each task into bite-sized items. For example — have 50 emails to respond to? Instead of adding respond to 50 emails to your list, break it down in time increments. For example, 30 minutes of email responses. A half an hour sounds a lot more doable than looking at the massive number of emails you need to get to.
#14 Take 3 Slow Deep Breaths Right Now
Research shows that slow, deep breathing helps support a feeling of tranquility, something anyone experiencing burnout could benefit from.
#15 Spend Time on a Hobby
When dealing with burnout, we tend to lose the joy in the things we used to love, so it’s important to spend time on the things that bring you happiness. Don’t be afraid to try something new, like signing up for an online cooking class or trying something crafty if that’s more your style.
#16 Make Your Days Off Sacred
The days you aren’t working are the days you have to recharge. Make these days sacred by scheduling in self-care time, turning off work notifications, and filling your own cup by spending time with the ones you love and doing the things you love to do.
#17 Organize One Thing Today
Overwhelm and burnout go hand and hand. If that pile of papers on your desk has been stressing you out for weeks, set aside 15 minutes to sort through it today. Research shows a cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, increasing feelings of stress and anxiety. So, a little organization could be a much-needed stress-buster!
#18 Give Yourself Grace
Had plans to do yoga, meditate, drink a green smoothie, but it just didn’t happen? Give yourself grace and pick up where you left off tomorrow. And if you catch yourself in a negative spiral that feels hard to escape, give these tips a try.
#19 Swap One Cup of Coffee For Matcha
Too much caffeine can leave you feeling jittery, which is the last thing you want when you’re already feeling burnt out. Try swapping one cup of coffee with matcha — it may help promote feelings of calm thanks to the amino acid L-theanine.
RELATED: I Swapped Coffee With Matcha For a Week & Here’s What Happened to My Energy
#20 Diffuse a Calming Scent
If you’re into essential oils, try diffusing lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, or sandalwood. A small study found that aromatherapy was beneficial for relieving work-related stress in nurses. Try diffusing your favorite calming scent throughout your workday or during your evening meditation or yoga flow.
#21 Write Down 3 Things You Are Grateful For Each Morning
Science has shown just how powerful journaling can be, and gratitude journaling has been shown to be especially beneficial for mental wellbeing. Consider starting your day by writing down three things you are grateful for over your morning cup of tea.
#22 Squeeze In A Sweat Sesh
Your schedule might be jam-packed, but pencil in a regular sweat sesh as you would a meeting. Working out is self-care — it’s an opportunity where you can unplug, clear your head, and benefit from the release of those feel-good hormones. Make it something you enjoy and look forward to! And it doesn’t have to be lengthy, either. Even 15 or 20 minutes makes a difference!
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#23 Switch Up Your Environment
As we’ve learned, most jobs can be completed remotely. If you’re back in the office, talk to your boss or manager and see if you can snag a week where you can WFH. If you get the green light, take this opportunity to switch up your environment and truly work remotely! Head to a new destination — even if it’s only 20 minutes away — and breathe in the fresh air from a new spot. It sounds simple, but changing up your scenery can do wonders for your health.
#24 Get Tech-Savvy
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in conversations surrounding mental health (it’s about time), and with that, we’ve seen a growing number of mental health services. There are so many technology-based ways to support feelings of burnout — all from the comfort of your own home — think virtual therapy services and wearable devices!
#25 Talk to A Therapist or Doctor
Having a routine check-in with a medical professional is a GREAT tool to have when it comes to avoiding burnout and supporting your overall health. Even if nothing is “wrong,” it’s okay not to be okay. Getting ahead of it can prevent your emotions from stacking up into something more severe or serious. We all need support!
Combat Burnout By Prioritizing YOU
Feeling burnt out can be very challenging and hard to combat, particularly when there are ongoing stressors. The best you can, keep up with behaviors that give you energy and help take care of yourself.
Prioritize going to bed early, make brain-healthy meals, move your body, call a friend, read a book, or do whatever makes you feel more relaxed and invigorated. Try and practice these things on a regular basis, especially when you are busy because a little really does go a long way. Your brain and body will thank you!
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