When I’m not in my clinical practice, I’m often working with other health care professionals to help them grow sustainable practices that align with their family and lifestyle. Recently I was interviewed for a print publication about strategies for stress relief, finding joy, and staying mindful at work. Some of the ideas I shared might also help you find more ease in your life.
Early Signs of Burnout to Watch For
Some of the early signs of burnout or mental exhaustion I observe clinically and with my coaching clients include: ongoing fatigue, apathy, low energy, decreased excitement for life, physical injury, and recurrent illness.
Are you struggling with any of these? Or just not feeling like yourself and know you can feel better?
If you’re answering YES, that’s great news!
You’re at a stage where intervening sooner than later will offer you tremendous benefit. You don’t need to wait until you’re completely overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling burnt out. In fact, the goal is to reroute things in your life before you get even close to that point.
It can be hard to get started. This is where the perspective of someone else can make an incredible difference. Sometimes just a little direction, and accountability can go a long way in creating new habits that stick, particularly when it comes to your health. If you’ve never chatted with me about functional health or coaching, feel free to reach out, or read this blog post for a better idea of how that might help you.
The One Question to Ask Yourself Before You Burn Out
To get started today, I suggest just start with asking yourself this simple question:
IS THIS WORKING?
Finding more joy in your work and life also means being able to recognize and confront the underlying causes of stress. We can talk about solutions for stress reduction, but what about if we just started right at the cause?
It’s always more difficult to untangle from work, relationships, or even bad (unhealthy) habits than it is to start right. In my experience, taking time for some introspection and asking yourself this simple, but difficult, question can help you reroute.
Whether your lack of health is stressing you, something within a relationship, or problems within your career, checking in on what’s working and what’s not can help point the way to the right steps forward. Once you’re clear on what’s not working, it will take some courage to make some changes. With the right support you’ll get there!
How to Start Making Small, Sustainable Changes
In January there’s so much talk about “new year, new you” and making resolutions. Don’t be fooled by that. Although I love the start of a new year, and recommend this exercise to start with intention, change is possible at anytime. It starts with awareness though, and that’s your job for today.
Think about what’s working, and what’s not, make a short list of some solutions, and just pick one to get started with today. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things to change, just focus on one this at a time. Often the hardest part is just starting.
Need a little more guidance? We’re here for you.
