There’s no two ways about it – life is stressful. With inflation, the ongoing pandemic that doesn’t actually appear to be going away, the demands of employment, the need to take care of yourself, increased costs of living, and the needs and desires of friends and family, it’s no wonder that we’re all feeling more than just a little stressed these days. The thing about stress and the constant state of go, go, go that everyone seems to be in is that it increases the chances of experiencing burnout. So what can be done to avoid that?
Take a Vacation
So many of us skipped out on vacations last year. That’s left everyone with an even greater need to take one. You can make this as simple or as grand as you want. Even just taking a weekend to do absolutely nothing can be a great vacation if that’s what you need. On the other hand, if a weeklong trip to a balmy beach in the middle of summer is more your cup of tea, go for it! The point is to take a break from the normal demands and responsibilities of life so that you can rest and rejuvenate before returning your nose to the proverbial grindstone again. Decide on a camping trip? Don’t forget to check out our Camping Guide to keep pests at bay. Hitting the pavement for a road trip? Be sure to fight boredom with some of our tips.
Schedule Time to Relax
If you want to sum up what causes burnout, you could do it with one word: stress. Of course, you could unpack that to find a whole host of reasons behind it. Taking on too many responsibilities, a lack of adequate support, and not taking proper care of yourself are often common culprits. Part of the challenge can be finding time to unwind and relax. The fact is that unless you set aside time to relax, you probably won’t find it. Find an activity that you enjoy that lets your mind rest from the ongoing demands of life for a time. Pencil it into your schedule regularly for relief and something to look forward to. Try a stress-management technique, and tell us how it goes!
Indulge in a Hobby
When was the last time you did something fun just because you wanted to? If there’s any particular activity that you enjoy, set aside some time to indulge in it. Love rock climbing? Make a point to go to your local climbing gym a few times a month or hit the natural rocks for some time outdoors. Love to draw? Get yourself set up in a comfy spot with all your supplies and let your imagination run wild. Spending time doing something you love can help you feel alive in a way that life’s many obligations never can. There’s something wonderfully rejuvenating about it that’s hard to beat.
Treat Yourself to Self Care
Given that a lack of self care is often a reason behind burning out, it stands to reason that engaging in it should help keep burnout at bay. To give yourself an extra treat, don’t just take care of yourself. Make it something indulgent. Take some time to really give yourself some love. Don’t just put lotion on. Massage your muscles while you do it. Don’t just throw together a meal and scarf it down. Choose your ingredients with care, cook with intention, and then savor every delicious bite. Don’t just work out. Pay attention to your body. Really experience the work your muscles and your lungs are doing to keep your body healthy, fit, and strong. Allow yourself to marvel at everything your body is capable of and how well it works.
Want to take your self care to the next level? Check out our selection of relaxing essential oils and spa day recipes that will give your self care a boost.
Burning yourself out doesn’t do you or anyone else any good. It’s important to take some time for yourself, not just every now and again, but on a regular basis. Remember, you’re the only you that the world has, and you matter. And you matter a great deal to some people. You owe it to them, and even more to yourself, to take care of you. So go ahead. Take some time and spend it on yourself. After all, time is one of the best gifts you can offer anyone.
