We’ve all been there: Mental exhaustion, lack of motivation or care, and an overwhelming sense of what can only be described as emptiness. Yes, we’re describing burnout, a problem that has plagued nearly 90% of workers just in the last year alone.
If you’ve never experienced burnout, consider yourself one of the lucky few because as the cost of living quickly increases across the country, a sense of urgency blankets the workforce with the need to do more, be more, and make more money. This same logic can be applied to somebody experiencing burnout from family life, school, health obligations, or even romantic relationships.
Whatever the circumstance, the common denominator is an unattainable ‘more’ mindset that inevitably leads to burnout as individuals set aside their own health and well-being for the greater good of work, family, school… the list goes on.
If you’re experiencing burnout, we’re here to help you out! In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about burnout, share how naturopathy can help, and even tap in with our team for a few tips and tricks to combat symptoms. Let’s get started!
What is Burnout?
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” However, that’s not to say that burnout only plagues those in the workforce.
Burnout is non-discriminatory, meaning that it doesn’t affect only a select group of people. Unfortunately, everybody is at risk of experiencing symptoms of burnout such as:
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Lowered immunity leading to frequent illness
- Loss of motivation
- Sense of failure or self-doubt
- Procrastination
- Detachment from self or others
- Feeling helpless or trapped
- Irritability or mood swings
The symptoms of burnout are prevalent in physical, emotional, mental, and behavioral capacities as a response to high levels of seemingly unending stress that feels nearly impossible to manage. While some individuals may turn to ‘crutches’ such as alcohol, drugs, or junk food as unhealthy coping mechanisms, we’re here to remind you that there are ways to go about dealing with burnout that are not only healthy, but reaffirm your sense of self and improve overall well-being.
Can a Naturopath Help with Burnout?
Absolutely. If you’ve ever pondered how to relieve burnout naturally, then you’re in the right place because naturopathy addresses the whole self including the mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of one’s entire being. It hones in on the lifestyle, sleep habits, diet, and stress levels of a person to determine a holistic approach to burnout for a long-term solution to ailments versus a quick-fix or a ‘band-aid.’ It’s that very level of focused attention that’s required in order to fully address every aspect of burnout.
Burnout can be caused by a variety of factors such as elevated stress levels, a lack of social support, overexertion at work or other aspects of life, and a dismissal of regular self-care. Given that naturopathy already places focused attention on every aspect of one’s entire being and the factors mentioned above, it’s an obvious choice when dealing with a condition such as burnout.
Additionally, naturopathy is in it for the long-haul. It’s not going to tell you to take a four day vacation and assure you that you’ll feel fresh and rejuvenated upon return; rather, it’s going to create a long-term care solution for immediate implementation and future burnout prevention.
Tips for Dealing with Burnout in the Short Term
Okay, so the vacation we mentioned admittedly doesn’t sound so bad, and taking extended breaks is essential. However, if a weekend trip or romantic getaway simply isn’t feasible, there are plenty of other short term ways to deal with burnout.
- Implement a self-care routine.
Show yourself some love and take some time to practice self care. Self care is arguably the best way to address burnout in the short term. This could look like morning affirmations while soaking up the sunshine, a luxurious skincare routine, a good book and a bubble bath, 10 minutes of meditation, or even just a few deep breaths to reset. The list of self care options is nearly endless because self care is whatever helps you to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.
- Maintain a social life.
Life is not meant to be lived alone, even for the most introverted of people. It’s important to maintain social connections as they can shift our headspace. This could look like a coffee date with a friend, a phone call with a loved one, or even just a text conversation. Keep in mind that social burnout very much exists, so it’s important to set boundaries and only commit to the social obligations that feed your spirit, increase your energy, and breathe new life into your day-to-day.
- Seek support.
If you’re experiencing burnout, you are not alone. Remember that staggering statistic mentioned earlier? An alarming number of people are experiencing burnout, and oftentimes going through the motions alone. Chances are that somebody you know is battling the same level of mental exhaustion and other symptoms of burnout, so always seek support and lean on those around you.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You’ve likely heard time and time again that a healthy lifestyle is going to improve your life in nearly all aspects. You’ve heard it before because it’s true! Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including good eating habits, regular exercise, mindfulness, stress management, and adequate sleep all work to improve energy, health, and overall well-being. If you’re feeling burnt out, address your lifestyle first and make any necessary changes. PS—this is where naturopathy plays a huge role. Speaking of which…
Tips for Dealing with Burnout in the Long Term
Short term practices for burnout help to quickly and easily alleviate symptoms of burnout on a daily basis. At the very least, short term practices can help restore the motivation needed to implement a long term strategy for combating burnout. But what happens if those daily practices aren’t as effective as they once were? Or even worse, begin to add more stress and only compound the initial burnout? That’s where a professional comes in.
Self care, a thriving social life, community support, and a healthy lifestyle are all excellent additions to your daily routine, but preventing burnout is the key to longevity. If you find yourself plagued with chronic burnout no matter what you do, it may be time to enlist the help of a coach or doctor for burnout.
A coach who’s well-versed in naturopathy is able to create an individualized approach to burnout that’s specifically tailored to your needs. Backed by extensive knowledge and proven techniques, naturopaths can even suggest herbs and supplements for burnout. Not everybody experiences burnout in the exact same way, so why rely solely on a blanket approach?
If you’re tired of the endless cycle, it’s time to take action and set up a consultation with one of our specialists. Simply head to naturallysue.com and begin your journey towards a life that’s full of fulfillment and free of burnout.
