How to avoid Burnout!

Originally the term Burnout was used as a time when a rocket or jet has finished all of its fuel and stops operating.  Unfortunately, nowadays it’s used to describe an occupational mental health condition.

It is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when we feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet constant demands 

The World Health Organisation has officially declared it as a workplace condition and in the US a recent study suggests as much as 76% employees are currently experiencing it.  It is also worth pointing out that people caring for children and parents can also suffer.

The unfortunate reality is, the more we push ourselves the more likely we are to experience it and it’s not going to go away unless we learn to be with it or better still put in preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of it from happening in the first place. 

It’s a lesson that I learnt 12 years ago whilst constantly working to tight deadlines, taking onboard new responsibilities and enjoying the rewards of my successes a little too much. Eventually, leaving me in a deep dark and depressive state enhanced further by the loss of my father.   

Knowing this needed to be addressed rather than suppressed I looked to use Meditation to explore this sense of overwhelm.  Personally not only have I not looked back.  But feel stronger and stronger with each passing day.

There are many other tools we can use and better still we can even use a combination of them all.  Regular daily exercise/yoga with the focus on regular rather than occasional trips to the Gym.  The cumulative gain is far greater and leads to creating a strong healthy habit.  

Take up a hobby which has no relation to work.  Maybe something fun, innocent where we don’t mind laughing at ourselves whilst also learning something new.      

Much has been talked about Sleep and rightfully so.  If it could be bottled up and sold it would be the ultimate wonder drug.  If you are one that struggles with sleep.  Check out Nick Littlehales and Matthew Walker both have excellent books on this topic.  

Also check out “a rocking night time routine”  A blog I did on just this topic.  It’s short and to the point.  Some would say its a bit hardcore but then so are then benefits of a good nights sleep.   

A balanced diet with the possible inclusion of fasting and simply have more fun finish of this list.  For what’s life without a little fun in it! 

Well there is one more and its a big one.  If you are unhappy and struggling, or if you are feeling you are heading towards that direction no matter how small, ask for help.  All too often we think we have to do it alone and we don’t, we really really don’t

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-finds-76-of-us-employees-are-currently-experiencing-worker-burnout-301191279.html

https://andreberrymeditation.co.uk/a-rocking-night-time-routine/ 

For more information or to book upcoming course in Transcendental Meditation or to book a wellbeing talk for your office please contact hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk

A Rocking Night Time Routine

Previously we wrote about a morning routine and how by having one it’s starts the day in the best possible way.  Now we focus on an evening routine as it prepares us for the most important part of our day and that is when we sleep!

For without sleep nothing is possible and the less we have, the less capable we become.  With a good night’s sleep however our physical body is energised, healed and raring to go.  Throw in a meditation practise too and you are taking ourselves to a whole new level of potential

It does require a change in attitude and lifestyle.  But doesn’t everything, when we want to change?  I have come to love who I am in ways I never thought possible.  I wake up every day, excited to be alive and that feeling just gets stronger and stronger, regardless of what lies ahead.  

My evening routine is not quite as rigid as my morning one is in terms of timings and what I do.  Like many of us, my days vary and rarely end the same way.  That said, I am passionate about this routine so typically I try to do this 4-5 evenings a week.  

As I am an early riser, I’m bed as early as possible.  I love my sleep as I know the benefits.  Quality of sleep is of utmost importance.  So after 7pm I’m already starting to prepare for mine.

No television, social media or email after 7pm (he says at 7:30pm still writing this).  News too is a big no for me.  I want a great sleep and the news doesn’t provide that.  Also restriction of light to natural only (Easy during Summer not so at Winter)

I also use this time to tidy up (yes even washing dishes) whilst being mindful of any thoughts running through my mind.  Sometimes listening to an audiobook (nothing too intense) or just simply reflecting on my day.

I am a huge fan of journaling, once I realised there are no rules like correct punctuation, spelling or that it doesn’t have to make any sense.  I was into it straight away, it’s like emptying the mind with all that nonsense.  In fact, if any of you reading this struggle to sleep I would recommend this.  I love it!!

As someone who practices and teaches Transcendental Meditation I don’t actually practise it late at night.  This due to the transcendent quality in it that naturally releases stresses and whilst that is good it can leave you a little wired at night time.    

Instead I may do a body scan or some yoga postures in preparation for rest/sleep and by 9pm-9:30pm I am feeling so relaxed I can’t wait for bed.  This has been further helped by a lack of stimulants of alcohol or caffeine and by having my main meal between 12-2pm 

I am asleep within 5-10 minutes of hitting my pillow    

Now, there will be folk that question what fun is had by having such routines and that is their prerogative.  All I can say is I have immense fun.  Every single moment of the day and best thing is it just gets better and better! 

If you would like me to elaborate on any of the above please feel free to PM me.