Have you been feeling extremely tired, both emotionally and physically? Maybe you’re feeling extremely overwhelmed or frustrated when you’re doing even the smallest of tasks. If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing burnout.
Unfortunately, due to the demanding and fast-paced nature of contemporary life, many people go through periods of burnout.
At our local clinic, we understand this, and, if you’re ready, we want to help you get through it and get back to living a healthier, happier life. Our therapist in Calgary awaits your call.
So . . . What is Burnout?
Despite its high prevalence, burnout is not an official medical condition; rather, it is a socially recognized state that a person undergoes due to feeling exhausted mentally, physically and/or emotionally. Often, a lot of people don’t realize they are burnt out until they hit that metaphorical brick wall and can’t function properly.
Burnout can be caused by an array of factors, not just a stressful job. It can be caused by school, family struggles, mental health, or transitioning from being really busy to slowing down suddenly. When our duties outside the house begin to bleed over into our private lives, this is when burnout is likely to occur – something that has certainly increased due to social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Signs and Symptoms
Burnout can be tricky to identify, mainly because it can manifest in different forms. Outlined below are the most common signs of burnout:
- Major fatigue.
- Apathy, whether it’s with your job, school, etc. Feeling like you’re “just going through the motions” or like there’s no point in what you’re doing is a big indication.
- Headaches.
- Changes to your sleeping habits.
- Changes to your diet.
It’s a wise idea to schedule an appointment for therapy near you if you’re dealing with symptoms. These professionals are here to walk alongside you and help you overcome any challenge you’re facing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that burnout is not the same thing as depression, even though they do seem very similar. Unlike burnout, depression is a mental health condition that doctors can address and is typically a more general condition. Individuals living with depression often feel worthless or helpless, and these feelings don’t disappear just with a change in scenery or work. Burnout, however, tends to arise due to a certain situation and does not last.
How to Address Burnout
- Practice self-care.
Self-care is very important. Yes, your job and other commitments matter, but so is getting the most out of each and every day. Good self-care typically involves prioritizing your mental health.
Talk to your family members, friends, or book an appointment with a therapist if you feel more comfortable. Regarding the latter especially, having someplace to go and voice your feelings, and receiving solutions that apply to your unique situation can be a tremendous help.
- Take breaks.
As the saying goes: work smarter, not harder, and one way to do this is to take breaks. We all need time to recharge and step away from what we’re doing for a little while – and while you may protest, breaks allow us to check in with ourselves and focus better once we return to our work.
- Exercise.
It’s been proven time and time again how beneficial exercise is. It helps us feel good about ourselves, sleep better, reset our minds, and even cope with stressors a period. Life is busy and sometimes squeezing in that full workout at the gym just isn’t possible but there are other ways you can exercise – chase after your kiddos, go for a walk or a quick bike ride, do some stretching – it doesn’t matter what it is, just as long as you move around a little bit every day.
- Set up a routine.
We’re creatures of habit, so one way to combat feeling overwhelmed is to outline a schedule for yourself. Not only can this help you establish a balance between work and your life at home, but it can help feel accomplished too. Setting alarms to signal moving from one task to the next and making a to-do list will help with this.
- Try something new!
When we’re feeling unsatisfied or stagnant, stepping outside of our comfort zones can be a tremendous eye-opener. It doesn’t have to be anything major; just pick up a new hobby! Reading, volunteering, baking, whatever you want! It’ll make the hours of the day go by quicker when you have something that you look forward to doing that makes you smile.
Come to Pinnacle Psych Today!
If you’re feeling burnt out, our team is here to help you get through it. Your well-being is important. So, if you’re ready to book a consultation with us, give us a call, visit our website, or stop by our local practice to arrange a time to come in. We’ll see you soon!
