Menu
Feeling overwhelmed is something most of us can relate to at some point in our lives. It’s that moment when you utter to yourself, “I can’t do this anymore,” and you’re not just talking about a rough day; it’s a deep sense of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.
Perhaps you’ve been grinding away at a demanding job, pushing through the stress until you hit a breaking point when your boss throws another impossible task your way. Or maybe you’re a parent dealing with sick kids for days on end, and then you discover your furnace needs replacing, pushing you over the edge. This state of burnout isn’t reserved for a select few—it can strike anyone, but it’s often felt keenly by those in high-pressure jobs or caregiving roles, like parents or those caring for elderly relatives.
But what exactly is burnout? It’s not just feeling tired or stressed; it’s a specific combination of symptoms that leave you feeling utterly depleted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is characterized by three main things:
You feel drained, both physically and emotionally, with nothing left to give.
You find yourself distancing from your work or responsibilities, feeling detached and apathetic.
Despite your best efforts, you feel like you’re unable to perform at your usual level, leading to a sense of incompetence.
When you’re burnt out, it’s not just your emotions that suffer; your body pays the price too. Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, disrupted sleep, and changes in eating habits are all common physical manifestations of burnout. And the risk of turning to substances like drugs or alcohol for relief increases too. It’s important to note that burnout isn’t the same as depression, though they share some similarities. While both can leave you feeling exhausted, detached, and hopeless, burnout typically arises from work or life stressors and can often be remedied by changes in your environment or self-care practices.
Identifying the causes of burnout is crucial for tackling it head-on. It’s often a result of an overwhelming workload, lack of support, poor communication, or feeling out of control in your situation. And with the added stressors brought on by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout has become more prevalent across various professions and communities.
For instance, imagine a nurse working long hours in a chaotic hospital environment, constantly facing understaffing, and witnessing the suffering of patients. Over time, the accumulation of stressors can lead to burnout, impacting not only the nurse’s job performance but also their overall well-being. If you find yourself in this state of overwhelm, know that it’s okay to seek help and make changes. Take stock of your responsibilities and consider what can be delegated or eliminated. Are there support systems you can tap into? Can you set stronger boundaries between work and personal life? In addition to making practical adjustments, prioritizing self-care is essential. Therapeutic tools like breathwork, nature therapy, and float therapy can offer profound benefits in managing burnout.
Involves conscious breathing techniques that regulate the nervous system, reduce stress levels, and promote relaxation. For a personalized experience, a Therapeutic Breathwork Therapy by a certified practitioner may offer profound relief.
Spending time in natural environments, which has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mood.
Involves individuals floating effortlessly in a sensory deprivation tank, inducing deep relaxation and alleviating physical tension.
And don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in burnout—they can offer valuable guidance and support as you navigate through this challenging time. Remember, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you weak—it’s a sign that you’ve been shouldering too much for too long. By acknowledging your limits and taking proactive steps to address them, you can regain a sense of balance and resilience in your life.
Here are some additional tips for managing burnout:
Be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer to a friend in a similar situation.
Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply relaxing with a good book, prioritize activities that recharge your batteries.
Learn to say no to additional responsibilities that exceed your capacity. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life, and honor your need for rest and relaxation.
Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and understanding. Sharing your feelings with others can lighten the burden and provide valuable perspective.
Explore stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and reduce physical tension.
Incorporate regular breaks into your daily routine to rest and recharge. Even short pauses throughout the day can help prevent burnout and improve productivity.
Remember, you’re not alone in facing burnout. Our care clinic is dedicated to providing specialized support and resources tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking guidance in managing stress, coping strategies for overwhelming emotions, or personalized therapy sessions, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
If you find that the tips and tools mentioned above aren’t bringing relief, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for customized clinical care. Together, we can work towards restoring your well-being and helping you rediscover joy and balance in your life.
Author: Estee Ling
Image: Freepik