Burnout is becoming an increasingly common occurrence among individuals of all ages and genders. Working professionals are especially susceptible to the pitfalls of this debilitating condition. Balancing both professional and personal responsibilities demands a consistently high level of energy and effort that is challenging to sustain. Over time, the rigorous (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations that are placed on individuals can lead to symptoms of burnout — including frequent headaches, digestive troubles, difficulty concentrating, and excessive fatigue.
Thankfully, taking proactive measures can help you avoid burnout. Pure Parker shares five effective self-care strategies that can assist you in achieving this goal.
Relax and unwind on a regular basis
Although it may be tough to carve out “me-time” during your week, it is critical for your overall well-being. Frequently, individuals feel guilty for spending time on self-care activities. However, when you never care for yourself, it is nearly impossible to perform at your peak — both at home and at work.
Rather than pushing beyond your limits, schedule time to unwind. Whether you do this daily, every few days, or once per week — any amount of time is better than nothing. Every activity that you select should be something that you genuinely enjoy, and that calms your mind and body. This can include taking a soothing soak with one of Pure Parker’s bath bombs, starting a meditation practice, diffusing relaxing essential oils, reading a good book, or doing anything else that makes you feel serene and at ease.
Keep learning and growing
The benefits of being a lifelong learner are numerous. Studies have shown that when people make learning a priority, they can delay signs of cognitive decline, improve their memory, and potentially extend their life. Learning can also reduce your chances of developing burnout by opening new career opportunities, and by teaching you how to balance life stressors.
One path that you can take is to earn a degree online. The convenience of attending classes and completing work on your own time makes it easy to study any subject while working full-time. A new degree can allow you to change careers, or help you attain a promotion you’ve wanted.
Prioritize sleep hygiene
Experts recommend that all adults get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Although this isn’t always realistic, too many individuals prioritize TV watching, social media scrolling, and other activities over sleep. Because adequate rest is necessary for preventing burnout (and for preserving your overall health), now is the time to practice good sleep hygiene. This includes turning off all electronic devices at least 30 minutes prior to going to bed, keeping your bedroom temperature between 60 to 67 degrees, and blocking excess light.
Set work-life boundaries
Do you answer calls from a boss who routinely phones you at dinner time (or later)? Do you often find yourself checking work emails on the weekend? Habits like these are the result of having poor (or no) work-life boundaries. Since there is no award given out for stretching yourself thin, or for allowing work to cut into personal time, assert your needs. Create a list of boundaries that will help you achieve a better work-life balance.
Care for your mental health
Now more than any other time in history, the importance of mental health is becoming known among the vast majority of people. It is no longer taboo to speak up about issues such as anxiety, depression, and related conditions. The risk of developing burnout is inextricably linked to one’s mental health. Therefore, it's absolutely critical to care for this facet of your health to prevent the onset of symptoms.
In most instances, burnout can be fully avoided. Prioritizing your self-care with the strategies listed above is the surest way to stay healthy and sharp — both mentally and physically.
Pure Parker offers an amazing line of all-natural essential oils, bath bombs, and personal care products. Pamper yourself or find the perfect gift basket today.
