6 Easy Steps to Avoid Burn Out During the Holidays

Burn out is more than just feeling tired and a bit sad (although that could be the start). It’s a serious stress condition, that if left without treatment (in whatever form you deem suitable) can spiral very dangerously. So, if you see the warning signs, here are some steps to help you avoid burning out.

According to science, burnout is described as the body’s reaction to extreme stress that eventually leads to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. And it can happen to just about anyone trying to juggle their average day to day responsibilities on top of the stress and exhaustion they’re feeling. Although, at first it isn’t easy to read the signs and symptoms, so we’ve provided a guide to help you learn the best steps to avoid burn out.

As already mentioned, accepting, and acknowledging the signs and symptoms of burnout isn’t easy. Especially if you’re unfamiliar with it, it can be a very confusing and isolating experience. So being familiar with the warning signs is the best possible way to avoid the inevitable spiral if it is left untreated. Some of the typical symptoms of an impending burnout include:

• Exhaustion
• Isolation
• Escape Fantasies (Dissociating)
• Irritability/ Mood Changes
• Frequent Illness

Of course, these aren’t always signs of burnout, and if you’re bothered by the symptoms you’re experiencing you should speak to your GP immediately. But if you’re worried about your mental well being and feel that it could be the case, there’s a whole host of brilliant steps to take to avoid it spiralling further. Surprisingly, it’s not all about taking the weekend off to catch up on sleep, it can take time, and that’s ok!

Now, if you feel you’re already at the stage of complete burnout, it’s recommended to skip to the last step and reach out to either your GP or a private therapist, to help guide you. However, if you still feel like you could bring yourself out of the fog, here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Implement a Good Sleeping Pattern: maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is great for a boost of energy and helps you to feel more grounded. So, try and stick to a pattern!
2. Do Your Exercise: exercising releases endorphins that can help with your mental health, and it makes you feel good too!
3. Eat Good: in combination with a healthy sleeping pattern and exercise, eating good is great for your mental health too. Although, that doesn’t mean you can’t still eat the foods that you want, just in moderation!
4. Know the Signs: denial is one of the many stages of burnout, so if you feel that you’re on a downward spiral, trust your own mind and kick these steps into action.
5. Create Boundaries: when you know the signs and you feel yourself beginning to spiral, set up boundaries that you won’t cross (e.g., won’t do work after work hours) for your own peace of mind. No one knows you better than yourself.
6. Never Be Afraid To Ask For Help: in recent surveys, it was found that of 1000 tested, around 22% admitted that they had experienced burnout, so you’re not on your own with this one. And there’s absolutely no shame in reaching out for help!

Again, if you feel that you’ve tried to take these steps and they don’t seem to be working, it’s best to reach out and seek the help of a medical professional!

Burn outs happen to the best of people, so know that you’re not on your own if you are feeling this way, or if you believe you’re on the way to a burn out. The most important step to avoid burn out is by far to reach out and ask for help. Your mental health is to be taken seriously, and you should never feel ashamed about speaking your mind and asking for support. Rest well, eat good and speak up!