In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we have the privilege of gaining valuable insights from Mrs. Megan Yount, LCSW-C, a highly experienced Clinical Psychotherapist at Baltimore Family Therapy. As we delve into the topic of burnout, it becomes crucial to recognize the symptoms and side effects associated with it, along with effective strategies to overcome this pervasive issue. Discover practical tips that you can implement in your life starting today, empowering yourself to combat burnout and promote mental well-being.
If you have experienced any of the following, you might be struggling with burnout.
Energy depletion and exhaustion
Dreading Work
Trouble Sleeping
Easily angered/irritable/sad
No time for non-work-related things
Lack of motivation and reduced efficacy
What can you do if you notice yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms?
1. Talk with your supervisor
2. Seek support from co-workers, friends, or loved ones.
Check with Human Resources to take advantage of any Employee Assistance Program that may be available.
3. Try a relaxing activity!
Seriously. There are many apps that you can download to help relax in as little as 1 minute. It might also be a great idea to try yoga or meditation.
4. Move your body.
Whether that is taking a walk during the lunch break that you have scheduled (because you set that boundary last week), planning a workout class with a friend, or running around the neighborhood with your children after school. Movement decreases stress and helps take your mind off work.
5. Get adequate sleep.
This cannot be stressed enough. Put the phones away, turn off your work notifications (the Teams ringer will forever haunt my dreams…), and get some sleep.
6. Practice mindfulness.
This means being aware of your breath, engaging your senses, and acknowledging your feelings at any given moment. It is recognizing the need to pause, regain control, and have compassion for yourself.
Thank you to Mrs. Yount for providing these practical tips to recognize and overcome burnout. She can be reached via email at megan@baltimorefamilytherapy.com and online HERE, and you can connect with us at BGSF.com.
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