In today’s competitive society, we are all frantically chasing things that “need to be done” and trying to “tick boxes” to get ahead. 😫🏃🏽♀️
We can become overwhelmed, and over-burned by stressors and unfortunately, this leads to burnout; a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion (1) 😓
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This is especially prevalent now, where working from home makes it difficult to draw the line between work & home, and determining when to “switch off”. 🔛🔔
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And as a result, we have seen an increasing number of patients calling in with signs and symptoms of BURNOUT over the past 3-4 weeks during the second COVID Lockdown. 📈
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Burnout can affect anyone, and may impact your physical & mental health, and seep into other areas of your life such as home, work & social life (1) 🏘🛏☕️
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Hence, it is important to deal with burnout when it arises, and incorporate strategies in your life to PREVENT it from happening🙏🏽
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Firstly, we need to learn to recognise burnout 👀
Signs & symptoms include;
Feeling tired & drained
Reduced immunity & getting sick often
Headaches, muscle pain
Changes in your appetite or sleeping pattern
Feeling a sense of failure, doubting your achievements
Feeling alone, isolating yourself from others
Lack of motivation
Lack of satisfaction or sense of achievement
Procrastinating, becoming less efficient at getting things done
Turning to food, drugs or alcohol
Becoming irritable with others
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To PREVENT burnout, try to incorporate the following strategies (2);
Schedule 1hr per day to “switch off” - No technology. No studying/working. No “ticking boxes” 🔇🔕
Stay connected to family & friends 📲
Exercise - is a great stress reliever and allows you to clear your mind 🚴🏽♀️
Get 8hrs sleep per night 😴
Avoid stimulants (such as caffeine, nicotine) and alcohol 🥃🍾
Regularly re-evaluate your goals & priorities - make sure you are doing things that make YOU happy, and that put you on the RIGHT PATH towards your goal 🙌🏽
Allow your creativity to flow - engage in projects or hobbies that have nothing to do with work or whatever is causing you stress 🎨🎤
Practice Mindfulness, Relaxation or Yoga🧘🏽♀️
Learn to say NO & set boundaries 🙅🏽♀️🙅
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As always, if burnout is causing you distress, please book an appointment with any of our doctors so that we may help you seek professional help! Book a Telehealth Appointment via our new website; https://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/
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