Burnout is the state of being completely mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many individuals no matter your background, career, or education, you can experience burnout. There are various reasons as to why you may experience burnout such as working long hours, a heavy workload, and difficulty with work-life balance. Symptoms of burnout include irritability, difficulty concentrating, experiencing intense perfectionism, and much more. Along with those symptoms, you may find it difficult to focus on your overall well-being. Meaning you may put your health and needs behind school, work, or your role as a caretaker. Although all those things are significant, when constantly putting them before your own well-being you are putting yourself in danger of more likely becoming ill, developing a mental health disorder, or even leaning into substance use. 

Also, when experiencing burnout it may be hard to make time for the relationships in your life. Planning to spend time with a friend or family member can feel like “just another task” on your list of things to do. Acknowledging this may be difficult but it is a normal experience for many individuals. Due to this, you may notice an increase in conflict in your relationships, feeling disconnected, and feeling unhappy. Fortunately, there are ways to manage burnout to not only improve your personal well-being but the well-being of your relationships as well. 

• Make Time for Self-Care: Whether it is doing a hobby you enjoy, exercising, or even just allowing yourself to watch one of your favorite shows! It is important to allow yourself downtime to enjoy your life. If you don’t have time, schedule it in! 

• Set Boundaries: It can be easy to over-extend yourself in all areas of your life. However, it is important to learn the word “No”! Experiencing burnout is a sign to give yourself some needed grace and compassion. 

• Talk to a Therapist: After experiencing burnout it may be difficult to allow yourself to rest or to say no, and that's normal! A therapist can help give you the skills and encouragement needed to take the first steps towards getting out of that burnout and making sure you do not slip into it again. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing burnout and feel like you may need some support please feel free to reach out. We are glad to be here to help you take the first steps in choosing yourself first!