Ten Self Care Tips to Help Combat Burnout

Self care can help you reduce the risk of Burnout and limit any effects.

Recognising the warning signs of Burnout and using these as red flags can help you put necessary changes in place.

Looking after you physical and mental well-being can help build resilience to Burnout.

1. Look at Your Social Network.

We are all social creatures; we need to interact with people. Building a good social network will help. Family, friends and co-workers will help reduce stress, they may not be able to solve the issues, but they will be able to listen.

Limit your contact with negative people. Negativity will breed negativity which will lower your mood and outlook, having a negative effect on you.

Mixing with like minded people with similar interests will help strengthen your social network and improve your positivity.

2. Change Your Outlook.

Look at areas of your job that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy any of it, a career move, if possible, may be a way forward.

Participating in activities that you enjoy outside of work will improve your life in general, help to improve your outlook and resilience and reduce stress.

3. Take a Holiday.

Take some time away, if possible, or at the very least book annual leave and switch off from work.

4. Learn to Say No.

Learn that sometimes you just have to say no. This will enable you to prioritise the things you want to do. It will also allow you to conserve energy for the things you can’t say no to.

5. Learn to Relax.

For many, we have forgotten what it feels like to relax. We all find relaxation in different ways. This could be being engrossed in a hobby, reading a book, or listening to music. It could mean taking part in Meditation, Mindfulness or Yoga, or it could be something as simple as taking a long bubble bath.

Taking timeout shouldn’t send us on a guilt trip, relaxation is very much needed to aid our physical and mental well-being.

6. Set Boundaries.

Setting times for when you will start and finish work, especially if you work from home, puts you in control. Clearing away evidence of work from your living space also helps you to switch off and relax.

7. Switch off Technology.

Having a break from your mobile, social media and the internet allows you time to switch off. Having a set time to switch off allows you more time to relax or participate in a hobby, therefore, helping your mental health.

8. Exercise.

Exercise helps boost your mood. This doesn’t have to be attending the Gym, unless you want to. It could be walking, running or dancing, as long as it is something you enjoy.

9. Get Plenty of Sleep.

Getting adequate sleep supports our immune system to fight illness and infection. It also enables us to concentrate and cope more easily with the day ahead. Having a good bedtime routine will aid a good night’s sleep.

10. Eat a Healthy Diet.

Having a balanced diet will help our immune system, stabilise mood and support our energy levels. This will aid our physical and mental health, enabling us to cope better with daily life.

Remember – look for the early warning signs of Burnout, put strategies in place to combat this and get help if you need it!