Simple Ways To Avoid Burnout

Burnout can wreck relationships, careers and anything in your day-to-day experience. Since burnout often comes as the result of chronic stress without ample time off, it's important to look at where you can care for your body's different systems and adjust your routine to support them. Of course, sometimes feeling burnt out is actually showing us what isn't working in our lives anymore. Add in tools to support yourself, but also think about how you can create a life that feels better to you as well.

According to Goop, burnout can impact your body's natural rhythms around eating, sleeping and feeling through your emotions. Since many of us are burnt out, particularly parents and people juggling full-time jobs, wellness professionals have started to create programs to keep symptoms at bay. The outlet suggests starting by understanding the role of cortisol, the stress hormone, and how it impacts your body's functioning. Food and our eating schedules are two of the most important factors in these processes. 

Mia Rigden, MS, CNS suggests various dietary shifts that can help smooth out your stress levels. For instance, she tells Goop that eating a low sugar, high protein breakfast can help balance your blood sugar levels, giving you the energy to tackle your day with ease. Then, opt for a large lunch complete with greens, healthy fats and proteins. That way, a large meal at the end of the day won't spike your cortisol levels and mess with your sleep.

It should come as no surprise that burnout often revolves around too little time off. The HuffPost recommends scheduling breaks to do different activities such as dancing, walking or doing something restful. Rather than going from one thing to the next, your breaks should help you be present, spend time with yourself and feel your best. The outlet suggests getting up every 30 minutes to an hour to give your body and mind a break from your work.

Plus, as any wellness junkie knows, refined foods, alcohol and caffeine can make things seem much worse. If you're finding yourself reliant on something — i.e. a morning coffee — that's a sign that your system is struggling, Goop notes. Ridgen tells the outlet that it's best to quit all at once and let your natural energy take hold to keep you afloat. Furthermore, carve out time to do your favorite things, she recommends. This can be anything from laying outside to reading a book or taking a bike ride. The more you have room for activities like this, the more your body can reset and find its natural rhythm.

Other classic remedies include getting outside, meditating once a day and exercising in a way that you enjoy. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, reconnect with the things that make you happy to be alive and in your body!