10 things to help you prevent burnout

Times are hectic. People are working harder than they ever have and people are reaching burnout point a lot quicker than they would like to admit. 

That’s ok! If you’re one of these people then take a deep breathe and realise that you’re not alone. And whenever you feel like you’re on the verge of a slight mental or physical breakdown you need to step up your self care and spend some time focussing on you!

The trick is you actually have to spend some time and try the items on this list for them to have any effect. Just thinking about them won’t work. Start little by little and try one or two things and then slowly build yourself up to more.

1. Friendships count

   Spending time with our friends is a fantastic way to unwind and always makes us feel better. Sharing laughs and smiles is always a good idea so make sure the friends you choose to surround yourself with are happy and build you up rather than negative people.

2. Have a break, have a Kit Kat

   Take a break once in a while. Get up from your desk and stretch your legs or stand outside for 5 minutes to get some nice fresh air. In my industry (dance and Pilates) sometimes this break is to sit down and have a cup of tea for a little while. We all need breaks. No one can function at their full capacity for hours on end. By taking short breaks you will be more productive and creative in your work.

3. Breath in that fresh air

   Being outside is so therapeutic. There is a reason why children are less stressed than adults and it’s not only because they have less responsibilities because for those small beings they have plenty of responsibility. It’s because they are outside a lot more. Sunshine and fresh air do wonders. Try to take a walk a couple times a week, or even just sitting outside listening to the birds and letting some rays of sunlight touch your skin will leave you feeling better.

4. Exercise

   Again I am quoting Elle Woods, but it’s true, “Exercise creates endorphins, endorphins make you happy, Happy people don’t kill their husbands”. You won’t just feel better but you’ll look better and in turn that will make you feel better.

5. Food for thought

   Think about what you eat. Treat your body as if it’s a precious gem that you don’t want to get dirty. Would you through dirt all over a super special and extremely important gem? I don’t think so. So why would you do that to your body? Your body is one of the most important things in your life. Treat it that way. So cook delicious healthy foods. Try to treat every meal time as if you’re cooking for someone really special, because you are.

6. Meditate

   Now i’m not saying go sit in a corner cross legged while humming a monotone tune to yourself. Every one meditates in different ways. Some people lie in the bath and just think, some people like to do yoga, and others prefer to sit and watch the world go by. Meditating in a quiet space is not always for everyone, some people prefer the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop, but try to make sure your meditation time is a time where you can think and focus on yourself.

7. Laugh

   Watch a funny movie, or listen to something funny try anything that will give you a good laugh. Laughing is a fantastic ab workout too.

8. Sleep

   This sounds straight forward but it’s not. It’s not so easy to get our minds to shut down in the evenings and if you have young kids the lack of sleep is often not because you don’t want to sleep. Try to create a sleep haven for yourself. Make your bedroom feel like your’e in a hotel by investing in really nice sheets, soft lighting, some calming music, and nice smelling linen spray. Take 15 minutes before bed time and drink a cup of camomile tea, read a book, or soak in a bath. Try to create a bedtime routine for yourself, just as you would for your child. Your body likes routine and repetition becomes habit so your body and mind will begin to realise that it needs to slow down, and so it will.

9. Stretch

   It feels so good to stretch out in bed when you wake up in the mornings, doesn’t it? Well, all stretching should feel this good. Take some time in the day to stretch. It doesn’t have to be a long time. If you have 5 minutes you can spare then break your week up and focus on stretching different parts of your body every day.

10. Take up a hobby

    Having a hobby is healthy and it can bring so much joy. You never know, you can even meet a friend or two. I have recently taken up French classes as a hobby (trust me to take something where I have to study and receive homework). A hobby such as art classes relaxes you and also promotes the flow of creativity. I watch the adult dancers who start to dance as a hobby and they make life-long friends through their hobby. It’s so touching.

Consider these 10 points and try to adopt one of these into your life this week. Focus on bringing yourself more happiness by simply focussing more on yourself. It’s not an easy task but it is a task that reaps so many rewards.