Overwhelmed. Stressed. Physically + Mentally Exhausted.

These are the words that I’ve been hearing a lot — especially lately. 2021 has already thrown us some curveballs. This, on top of what we experienced in 2020, has brought on crisis fatigue and burnout.

What is burnout?

Burnout is described as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. And yes…burnout is real.

In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an official medical condition. Studies have shown overwhelmingly that workplace stress is on the rise. And, as a result of COVID-19, the age professionals are experiencing burnout have dropped from age 40 to age 32.

How To Know You’re Burned Out

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are a few signs that you may be experiencing burnout:

  • Extreme exhaustion or fatigue (like you slept 8 hours, but wake up feeling like you only slept 2 hours)

  • Easily irritated or annoyed

  • Insomnia

  • Reduced productivity (you are having trouble completing simple or usually effortless tasks)

  • Body ailments

Burnout coping strategies

There are many ways to cope with and manage burnout. I’ve created a burnout support guide for you, and I’m also sharing three of my favorite pieces of guidance:

  1. Check-in with yourself

    • What has you feeling exhausted, frazzled, stressed, or overwhelmed? If you don’t pause to connect with and name the cause, it will be difficult for you to identify helpful and more lasting solutions.

  2. Control the controllables

    • The only thing you truly have control over is YOU. Specifically, your thoughts and emotions, your response, and your actions. When you try to control too much beyond that, it can cause your stress levels to spike. Instead, practice focusing on what you can and do have control over, and work your “let go and let flow” muscle.

  3. Come down from the cross

    • You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm. Don’t be a martyr and try to do everything for everyone. It’s ok to say that it hurts and ask for help. In fact, asking for help and being vulnerable are superpowers. It’s much easier and safer to keep to yourself, but it’s also more damaging to your mental and emotional health.

Last but not least…

I’ve developed the FREE Put Your Oxygen Mask on First Reflection Guide to support you in your burnout management journey.

Why is it called Put Your Oxygen Mask on First? Because we often suffocate ourselves in service of helping others. The common belief is that self-care is selfish. Actually, friend, the opposite is true. When you care for yourself first, that means you are able to be the best version of yourself to and for others.

Click below to grab your free burnout support guide!