Burned up over Burnout?

     Tired of feeling exhausted and overworked? Ever feel like the stress will never end? I don’t know about you but I tend to carry my stress with me everywhere I go — in my shoulders and neck! I am not currently feeling burned out, but I have definitely been there in the past and I have several friends who are living this luxury (NOT!) now. “Burnout happens when energy stores are depleted from exposure to chronic stress,” explains one psychologist
     I recently read that people who are highly functioning, very conscientious, eager to please, with a strong sense of responsibility and associated sense of guilt are more prone to burnout (Milne, 2010). I guess that’s because we have a difficult time saying no and setting boundaries for ourselves. I’m getting better at this, but I’ve learned that no one is going to protect my personal time if I don’t. It’s important that we take time to rest, exercise, and have fun!
     Burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a result of circumstance (Milne, 2010). Since it is a result of circumstances, it seems to me like it is also something we can prevent. The first thing we can do is make time every day to rest – not necessarily sleeping, but doing something relaxing for at least 30 minutes. This could be reading a book, taking a hot bath, anything that helps you to relax.
     Another thing we can do is to take care of our bodies. You got it! We need to exercise and eat healthy. No, it’s not what we want to hear but it’s what we need to do. Exercise is a great stress release and is proven to decrease stress-related symptoms.
     These things seem so simple, but the question remains: Why don’t we do them? Why don’t we take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically? Do we really want to please others so much that we neglect our own health? Sadly, I am guilty of doing this in the past. I’m trying to be intentional about changing my lifestyle to a slower pace. My friends will laugh when they read this because I am always on the go. Seriously, I am trying and I encourage you to join me in this journey to prevent burnout.

Milne, C. (2010, January). Burnout nation. Medical Post, 46(1), 10-11. Retrieved   October 6, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2337338861).

Paturel, A. (2011). Banish Burnout: Try these simple fixes to everyday Stressors – and avoid more pain. 25 (3), 40-40. Retrieved October 6, 2011 from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmh&AN=60139708&site=chc-live