Last week I talked about what stress can do to appetite and this week I wanted to look at burnout.

Burnout is more than just stress—it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can significantly impact your productivity and overall wellbeing. 

It can come on gradually and it may not seem that anything ‘big’ has happened but lots of small things can add up.

It’s important to recognise the early signs of burnout and take proactive steps to manage it. Here’s a breakdown of key areas to consider:

Recognising Burnout:
Burnout isn’t simply feeling stressed. It manifests as prolonged fatigue, cynicism, and reduced productivity. If you’re feeling consistently drained, unmotivated, or detached from your work or responsibilities, it might be a sign of burnout rather than just everyday stress.

Manage Your Workload:
A heavy load can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed. By managing your tasks efficiently and breaking them into smaller, manageable pieces, you can prevent overload. Prioritisation is key to maintaining a healthy balance.

Regain Control:
One of the leading causes of burnout is feeling like you lack control. Set boundaries and prioritise your tasks to take back control of your time and energy. Learning to say no and focusing on what truly matters can help you regain that balance.

Set Boundaries:
Establish clear work-life boundaries to protect your mental health. Whether it’s setting limits on your working or volunteering hours or reserving time for personal activities, these boundaries are crucial to maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
Eating well and staying active are foundational to both mental and physical wellbeing. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet will not only help you feel better but also enhance your ability to handle stress.

Even short, daily physical activity can have a significant impact on how you feel and a rainbow of vegetables will lift your mood too.

Be mindful that processed foods and sugary snacks are likely to make you feel worse.

Talk to God!:
He knows what you are going through and wants to help. Don’t let a ‘quiet time’ feel like another thing that you ‘have to do’. Chat to Him in small pieces throughout your day if you prefer, and tell him how you feel when you wake and go to sleep.

Consider Therapy or Counselling:
If burnout persists, professional help can provide a fresh perspective. Therapy or counselling offers tools to better cope with stress and prevent burnout from deepening.

Communication Matters:
Don’t face burnout alone. Opening up about your struggles can foster understanding and support, allowing you to find solutions together. Your community around you also provides emotional support and prevents isolation, which can exacerbate burnout.

Remember, taking steps to address burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a commitment to your wellbeing and a sign that you value yourself and God. Recognise the signs early, implement changes, and seek support when necessary.

Stretching is a great place to start with physical exercise to help you start to feel better. Here’s a recording of one of our short stretch and soul sessions: