Everyone is talking about burnout these days. We are hearing the term at school, at home, at the office, and pretty much everywhere in between. If the summer months provided a much-needed dose of peace, so you could recharge, here are five ways you can keep that beachy sense of chill in mind and body throughout the fall.
Take a break…
Studies show that taking a short break every hour can actually help increase productivity and focus. With many of us still working from home, or working with some kind of hybrid model, don’t forget the importance of breaks even when transitioning back into the office. The break can be as simple as a 30-second stretch, a few deep breaths, or a quick walk around the block. We advocate for some gentle movement to activate your body and mind—it may help with procrastination too!
Zzzzzzz…. Are you sleeping enough?
Are you getting to bed early enough? If not, some great ways to get to bed earlier are to switch off any screens at least an hour before bedtime. Oftentimes, burnout is harder on the body when we are already running a sleep deficit. Another helpful practice is coming up with a bedtime ritual, which could mean some music, a meditation, journaling, or a cup of chamomile tea before you drift off to dreamland.
Opt for gentler exercise methods.
Sometimes we think that all we need is an intense run, or a cardio class to get our blood pumping, but we’ve found that softer, more fluid forms of exercise benefit the body in the long run. Try looking up tai chi, qi gong, or yin yoga exercises for slower paced forms of movement. It may seem counterintuitive when we just don’t want to sit still, but after some time, these forms of exercise can actually help strengthen your stress response, so you’re better equipped to combat a future wave of burnout.
Just breathe…
A long deep breath goes a long way. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, or breathing from the diaphragm, are a great way to help the body process built up or left over stress in the body. Box breathing, which is another form of controlled deep breathing, is also a great way to ensure that you are breathing well. Our breath is the gateway to our health, so next time you’re beginning to feel stressed, take a moment to pause and notice how your body is breathing at the moment.
Reconnect with the Earth!
This may sound like something a hippie from the 60s would preach, but modern-day science is there to back it up. Time in nature is the perfect medication for a worn out mind and a tired body. Studies have even found that patients with a view of a tree from their hospital window are more likely to recover faster. So whether you prefer the beach, the desert, or the mountains, be sure to schedule some time to reconnect with Mother Nature as often as you can.
