We’ve all felt it—the exhaustion and burnout that comes after a huge project, deadline, or just general really busy season. The feeling when you wish a magic pause button existed for life’s responsibilities so you could just curl up in bed and binge watch a good TV show for a few days. While this scenario is likely impossible, below are five tips I do find helpful to push through the burnout feeling and make the most of the small moments you may have to take a break.
Fresh Air
Even if it’s just for a moment or two, getting outside is a game changer for me. When I’m feeling exhaustion coming on, I try to mix up my routine by walking to a meeting instead of taking an Uber, or eating my lunch outside. Vitamin D gives me an immediate mood boost and resets my mindset for the remainder of the day.
Move Your Body
While it may be the last thing you want to do, pushing through exhaustion and getting a little movement in can really help with burnout. This doesn’t have to be anything crazy, either! On my super busy days, I’ll get creative and get steps in while taking phone calls by walking around my house or doing a quick little yoga series (on mute, of course!).
Make A List
This may seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re already feeling overwhelmed, but I find making a quick list that prioritizes what is important now versus what can likely wait for a day or two allows me to gain an immediate sense of direction for my day. If I can stick to accomplishing the high priority items without distraction (easier said than done, I know!) there is usually a bit more downtime to recharge.
Phone a Friend
I feel like I’m instantly refreshed after connecting with my support system. Having a sounding board to bounce ideas off of, share frustrations with, or just to simply catch up with on completely non-work related topics is such an energizer. The people and relationships in our lives are truly what are the most important, and finding time to ground myself in that when I am feeling overwhelmed has definitely been a game changer.
Limit Screen Time
This one is probably the hardest for me to actually follow through on, but giving myself time without my phone in the evening usually allows me to get a much more restful night’s sleep, even if I’m having to wake up early the next morning. It’s definitely a practice that takes some getting used to, but being unplugged for a bit creates space for some much needed “me time” that I may not normally have while aimlessly scrolling.
Of course, I always try to eat well and take my vitamins, but am especially mindful of this when I’m starting to feel like I’m falling into a funk. Just know, it is totally normal to need a reset every now and then, especially as we are starting to return to our new “normal” in the world. Is there anything else you like to do that helps with burnout?
