5 tips to avoid burnout
Most of us have been near the brink of burnout at some point in our lives. It’s common in today’s fast-paced society to get caught up in the go-go-go mentality of our culture. But if we don’t have coping strategies and self-care practices, this can quickly lead to burnout.
Part of my naturopathic practice involves helping people make sustainable lifestyle changes to lead them to greater health. Here are five tips to avoid burnout:
Manage your stress
Stress can cause our health to deteriorate and amplify existing health concerns. Ensure you have practice managing your stress with picking up a creative hobby, going to a yoga class, listening to a guided meditation on YouTube or getting regular massages or acupuncture treatments.
2. Set boundaries
It’s common for us to feel like we need to be available to everyone all the time. Many of us feel like we’re always on, and struggle to take time for ourselves. But it’s crucial to disconnect and set healthy boundaries between ourselves and others. I recommend putting your phone on airplane mode a couple hours before bed to allow yourself to wind down, and stay off your computer to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, or internal ‘clock.’
3. Exercise
Exercise hosts a range of health benefits, and is excellent for helping manage stress, calm anxiety, and boost mood. Getting into a good exercise rhythm can also improve self-esteem, which helps you make smart choices and take better care of yourself.
4. Take care of your adrenals
Your adrenals can suffer from chronic stress, leading to exhaustion, illness, and burnout. I recommend incorporating a few natural supplements into your diet to give your adrenals a boost, such as:
B Complex
Magnesium
Vit C
Adaptogens - Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng, and Holy Basil
5. Practice self-care
Take a time out! Schedule in time for yourself, and treat it like an appointment you can’t miss. Self-care looks a little different for everyone, but some great practices to nurture yourself and ward off burnout include getting social time, going to sleep extra early, digging into that book you’ve been dying to read, or saying no to a commitment. Be gentle with yourself, and listen to your body!