Habits That Can Help You Cope With Burnouts

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic stress. It can affect anyone, but women may be more prone to it due to the multiple roles they play in their personal and professional lives. Burnout can have serious consequences for our health, happiness and productivity. In the post “Coping With Burnouts: A Guide For Women”, I informed you about the signs that tell you might be suffering a burnout and shared with you my own emergency measures. Here I’m sharing a few habits that can protect us from this situation.

Humans are social creatures, hence we need to constantly interact with the other members of our of our fast-paced hence stressful society. As a result, regardless of how hard we try, we will never be able to isolate ourselves from stressful situations. However, with a bit of reflection, we can identify the exact source of our stress that causes us to paralyse to the point of exhaustion. Ask yourself: what are the main causes of your burnout? Is it your workload, your boss, your colleagues, your family, your finances, your health or something else? Try to pinpoint the specific factors that are draining your energy and affecting your well-being.

Set boundaries and prioritize. Learn to say no to requests or tasks that are not essential or aligned with your goals. Delegate or outsource what you can and focus on what matters most to you. Avoid multitasking and set realistic deadlines for yourself. Schedule some time for rest, relaxation and fun every day.

Seek support and connection. You don’t have to cope with burnout alone. Reach out to your friends, family, co-workers or other people who can offer you emotional, practical or professional support. Join a support group, a community or a network of people who share your interests or challenges. Seek professional help if you feel depressed, anxious or -even worse- suicidal.

Take care of yourself. Your physical health and mental health are interconnected. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and don’t abuse alcohol, drugs and caffeine. And certainly, follow your doctor’s instructions religiously. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, hobbies or creative outlets. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Reevaluate your goals and values. Burnout can be an opportunity to reassess your life and make some positive changes. What are you passionate about? What gives you meaning and purpose? What do you want to achieve in your personal and professional life? How can you align your actions with your values? How can you use your strengths and talents to make a difference in the world?

Burnout is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a sign that you need to take care of yourself and make some adjustments in your life. By following these tips, you can cope with burnout and regain your energy, enthusiasm and joy.