Burn out happens when we become overextended, with poor self care. This can happen at work, with our children, or any other regular responsibilities. We become less efficient, despite the extra hours we are investing. Our mood becomes depressing, and negative, while we also experience brain fog. So, how do we prevent ourselves from reaching this tipping point? Here are ten tips to keep your inner battery re-charged and functioning at its best.
1. Eat real food
I could stand on my soap box all day long talking about this one! Often when we are busy, we reach for connivence foods that are easy, yet highly processed. These foods may give you more time in the short term, but they will leave you feeling sluggish, tired, and create blood sugar crashes resulting in poor productivity, and spaciness. Take time to eat a whole food diet. Remember food is your body’s fuel.
2. Exercise
Again, I can’t say enough about how important this is to all our lives. Exercise loosens pent up energy, releases endorphins and makes us feel good about ourselves. Exercise, daily!
3. Stretch
These days I have a daily yoga practice. However, before I even knew what yoga was, I found myself stretching every evening. We push hard all day, its a strong contraction inward. If we take just 20 minutes daily to focus on expanding our bodies, a.k.a. stretching or yoga, our thoughts will become clearer, our bodies more relaxed, and our nervous systems soothed. Also, it will greatly improve your sleep if done before bedtime.
4. Meditate
There are dozens of studies out there about the benefits of meditation. Do it! It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Five to ten minutes daily will have lasting benefits. Here are a couple articles from Awareness Junkie about meditation.
4 Types of Meditation That Will Quickly Improve Your Health And Peace of Mind
Neuroscience Recognizes Meditation Benefits for Brain and Body
Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation- Foundations for Wellness
5. Get outside
Make time for nature, even if its just a walk to the office or to lunch. Feel the ground under your feet. Breath fresh air. Let your eyes readjust to the natural world. When we spend time in nature our natural rhythm syncs back up with the earth. This connection has a grounding effect and will help regulate your nervous system. Check out this Awareness Junkie article on the benefits of hiking:
Doctors Prove Hiking Makes You Happy
6. Take 5
Often when we get bogged down, we forget we are actually humans and not machines. Take breaks! My husband noticed a huge shift eight years ago when he quit smoking. He used go outside every hour or so to smoke. Once he quit, his breaks stopped. His mental state and posture suffered. Just because we are non-smokers doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get breaks! Stand up, stretch, walk outside. Make it happen. Your mind and body will thank you.
7. Decorate your home and office with plants
House plants bring nature indoors. They cleanse the air, and soften the room. Their organic shapes breath life into any synthetic space.
8. Sleep!!!
Sleep allows our brains to reset and download. Take time to unwind before bed and try not to have any screen time. Stretching, meditation, herbal tea, or a warm bath can help. If you expect your body and brain to operate in high gear, you must give it time to recharge.
9. Connect with your friends/community
Reach out to your people! Making time to connect will help you feel less isolated, and more alive. Friends can provide laughter, adventure, and a good listening ear.
10. Laugh
Truthfully I don’t have enough of this in my own life. However, when I experience pure uncontrollable laughter, the release is amazing. My heart feels full and the stress just melts away. I am going to take my own advise and focus on bringing more laughter into my daily life. I hope you will too!
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This article (Burn Out Happens: 10 Tips for Prevention) is copyrighted by Awareness Junkie, 2017. Furthermore, you may not copy, reproduce, publish or distribute any content therein without written permission. You may contact us here.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Awareness Junkie or its staff.
