It almost seems like if you are not overwhelmed then you are not trying hard enough. Unfortunately, that’s a going trend in our society and we often assume those who aren’t running around must not be successful.
Being overloaded and overworked is not the way to live or something in which we should strive for. If a mere look at your calendar sends you into a moment of panic and anxiety, it’s time to re-evaluate some things in your life.
The Impact of Burn Out
Although we may think we have it under control, our bodies could be feeling the pressure. Studies have shown that being overloaded and reaching a point of burnout can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cardiac arrest! Aside from causing physical harm to our bodies, burnout can cost you money. A study completed by Harvard Business Review and published in Forbes Magazine suggests that burnout and its effects are costing us over $100 billion per year.
With all these risks, why are we still burning the candle at both ends? The truth is many don’t realize how overworked they really are or they feel that it’s a natural part of being an adult as the people we look to as role models are also feeling like this. So, how can you correct this? Look for triggers since they can occur at any point in the year. Some common triggers that cause us to overwhelmed are:
- As fall approaches, that means back to school season and without developing time management, burnout is likely.
- The holidays can be the happiest time of the year, however, some may feel overwhelmed with their family duties, shopping, preparing for visits and other things the holidays may bring.
- Having a family is truly a blessing, but with caring for others comes an obligation to provide which can be overwhelming at times. It is important to find balance in family and work to avoid burnout.
- Work. There is no denying this may be the cause of much of your stress as you wish to perform your best, ultimately sacrificing everything else in your life to ensure you reach your goals. Balance is key.
Recognizing The Signs of Burn Out
The signs of burnout are tricky. Many of them mimic other conditions, or they may seem like the consequences of a busy life. But it’s important to pay attention. Some of the early warning signs of potential burnout include:
- Exhaustion: If you feel tired right down to your bones, this excessive level of fatigue could be a warning sign you are taking on too much.
- Detachment: This may manifest as apathy. It might be a complete inability to focus on the task in front of you. If detachment starts to creep in, you’ll notice. And if you notice, action should be at the forefront of your mind.
- Illness: As we burn the candle at both ends, our immune system may suffer and illness could take over our body.
Avoiding Burnout
Recognizing the signs is critical, but more importantly, is knowing action needs to be taken to avoid burnout. You can get started using the three R’s:
- Reduce: This may seem easy enough but for some letting go of duties and responsibilities can be challenging. Cutting back on activities that are not necessary, limiting overtime that is not required and saying no extra projects can be a start in reducing some stressors.
- Rest: The power of rest cannot be overstated. Rest is crucial. It’s absolutely essential to beating burnout and restoring health. Take that hour nap, go to bed earlier, whatever it takes.
- Refocus: Time is precious and something you cannot get back. Spend your time on things that matter in that moment. If you have work to get done do it, the laundry can wait. If your child needs help with their homework, housework can wait a little while. Understand that things need to get done will get done, but everything cannot be done at once.
If you are burning yourself out, take a step back and look for ways to cut back on your stress. Take a stand for your mental and physical health as you are your worst enemy. Acknowledge change is necessary and take action to reduce your stress.
Our Atlanta chiropractors know just how important it is to have a well-balanced mental and physical health. Your physical health can be gravely affected if your mental health is not taken care of and we want to help you create a better balance. Contact us today at (404) 889-8828 to learn more!