I know this topic all too well, it’s why I decided to make it the subject of my first Podcast. Unfortunately, many of us push through our pain resulting in even more pain. Burnout is very real and can lead to physical and mental breakdowns. Burnout is a real syndrome recognized by the World Health Organization. It is the reason I left TV News and decided to finally go after that dream of working for myself.
So, Let's talk about it. Have you listened to my podcast (Episode 1, The Natalie Tysdal Podcast)?
What is BURNOUT?
Burnout is a disorder that mainly affects women, and is understood as work-related stress. It can be a real nervous breakdown that manifests itself on an emotional, physical and mental level. Have you ever felt exhausted and think to yourself "I can't take it
anymore! I have reached the limit!"?.
About 20% of women who work on certain levels experience symptoms of burnout, but why?
"Burnout is nature's way of telling you that you've been going through the notions and you need a break."
Women have always been overloaded with work, thoughts, tasks to perform and they enter in a destructive spiral, when a voice whispers inside, "You must feel guilty because you are not doing enough!". Unfortunately, some of the feelings of burnout are a result of the strong inequality that still exists between men and women in the family and professional sphere.
CAUSES OF BURNOUT
Keep in mind that this discomfort does not only concern professionals, but also a person’s private life and it can manifest itself differently from person to person.
Work overload
Lack of recognition for the work done
Lack of control over one's business
Lack of community support
Lack of equity
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT
Anger and resentment
Chronic fatigue
Apathy and lack of interest
Insomnia
Lack of concentration
Compulsive hyperactivity
Lowering of the immune system
Irritability with family, friends and colleagues
Fast heartbeat
Muscle aches
Decreased self-esteem
Feelings of failure
Isolation from others
So how do we get past or get over burnout?
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including you." -Anne
Lamott
It is really true, dear women, every now and then the most important thing to do is to stop! The world will not collapse if you stop for a moment and think about yourself and your health.
SOME TIPS TO PUT INTO PRACTICE TO GET OUT FROM BURNOUT
- Put your life on hold! Do a self-assessment to understand where you are in your life and if you are satisfied with how it is going. (see my free self-care worksheet above).
- Socialize! Talk to a friend or family member; socializing reduces stress and will help you not isolate yourself.
- Find a hobby or sport you enjoy! Dedicating yourself to something you love is a powerful antidote to help you relax, even if it's only for a few hours a day.
- Eat healthy food! Eating healthy is very important for reducing stress and influencing mood.
- Pamper yourself! Taking care of your body increases your self-esteem and psycho-physical well-being. As a result, the perception that others have about you improves.
- Remove the plug! Treat yourself to a mini vacation, a weekend in nature without other thoughts. This will help you to recharge your batteries.
- One thing at a time! Take small steps, without giving yourself too many unreachable goals, compile a to-do list and divide it into small parts; every time you reach a goal, take it off your list.
- Learn to say NO! Being too compliant is never a healthy thing, learn to say no constructively when you think you can't accomplish a task.
- Seek help from a specialist! If you think that you cannot do it alone, ask for help from a therapist who will be able to advise you in the best way.
Most of all understand that you are not alone! You can do this. You were designed to do hard things and together we will all be okay.
See you soon : )
Natalie
