Are you suffering from burnout?

Do you feel tired, fed up or irritable? Have you lost interest in work, hobbies, or sex? For years now doctors across the world have recognised that stress is the biggest killer around. It causes and/or worsens a staggering nine out of ten illnesses. Stress does not just cause physical symptoms and conditions like eczema, heart disease, high blood pressure and indigestion. Too much worry can also cause a type of exhaustion known as burnout. It is more than just tiredness. People who struggle with it through each day feel that they have lost their will to go on.

Admit when you are tired. Accept that if you keep trying to work when you are exhausted, you will not only make yourself feel worse but are also more likely to let yourself down and the people around you. Not to mention the fact that you may fall ill or develop a more serious ailment.

Learn to manage your time efficiently. Plan your day. Keep a diary so important engagements and commitments don’t suddenly creep up on you and put you in a state of panic.

Be aware that using caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol as a coping mechanism is not ideal. You may think they help, but all of these can damage your health. They can cause further problems you don’t need to deal with. And this could ultimately lead to further stress.

If you feel you need to, take time off work. You are not indispensable. Sadly, life does go on without you. If you feel ill, your body is telling you it needs to rest. Remember that regular holidays are important. Just make sure the holiday you choose is a relaxing one.

If you feel like a relationship is full of battles and arguments, make sure you take time out or away from the situation you find yourself in, to relax and find calm.

Physical exercises are a great way to get rid of frustration, anger, and disappointment. If you have not been active for a long time, start off slowly and build up from there.

Make sure you get enough sleep. Try making your night routine relaxing and enjoyable for yourself. Take a hot bath, relax in your favourite bath salts, and set the mood for a good night’s sleep. Stop work at least an hour before your call it a night. After your bath you can relax listening to music, read a book and for heaven’s sake …. switch off that cell phone at least an hour before bed.

Learn to say, “no”.  Don’t let people trick you into taking on too many responsibilities, at work nor at home. People more than likely know how to make you feel guilty in order to get their way.

Remember you can’t always get everything in your life without taking risks and making mistakes. Do not keep a mental video in your mind of what you did wrong. Learn from it and move on. There will be plenty of new mistakes to make. So, fix it if you can, and carry on.

Stand up for yourself but be ready to move on if its not that important to you. People who do not stick up for themselves often burn up with indignation. People who always complain burn themselves out with anger.

Think carefully before allowing yourself to get upset. If it is important then do what you must to resolve the issue. If not - walk away. Spare yourself the stress and anxiety. Your heart and rest to your body will thank you for it.