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Workplace stress has reached epidemic levels in our society. Prolonged exposure takes a terrible toll on mind and body as expectation and ambition cause people to disregard their own needs. Stress needs to be managed if burnout is to be prevented. Otherwise, you can expect illness, fatigue, depression, and loss of motivation. That’s career burnout, and it’s a high price to pay for all those long hours at the office, the skipped meals, and the lost sleep. There are healthy ways to prevent burnout and many of them boil down to basic self-care and good common sense.
A New Beginning
If you’ve begun to lose interest in what you’re doing, it may be time to change your career path. Finding one that’s personally fulfilling can have a restorative effect and renew your enthusiasm. Consider switching to social work, a caring field in which you get to help people every day. There are master’s programs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree in social work, and it’s possible to earn a master’s online so you can continue to earn while you learn.
CBD Oil – Natural Anxiety Relief
CBD oil is an all-natural product that helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and alleviate seizures, according to scientific evidence. A derivative of hemp, cannabidiol comes in many forms, including vape, juice, gummies, and oil, and there’s a broad range of brands. Do some research online to ensure you’re getting a quality product from a credible manufacturer. Also, consult your doctor before you begin taking any supplements.
Take Sleep Seriously
It’s tempting to overlook healthy practices when you’re really busy at work. Whether you’re staying up late to get a jump on the next project or meet a deadline, or if you’re just too stressed, a lack of sleep can cause a host of problems. Sleep deprivation makes it very difficult to focus on tasks and leaves you vulnerable to anxiety and excess stress. Loss of sleep also undermines the immune system, increasing your susceptibility to illness.
Get Your Exercise
Exercise is another need that should never be overlooked. It’s crucial to both physical and mental health, a natural stress reducer that improves self-confidence prevents cognitive decline, and helps you stay productive. Exercise is also a natural mood enhancer. It activates endorphins in the brain that make you feel good. And there’s satisfaction in knowing you’re taking care of your body and doing everything possible to avoid emotional and physical exhaustion. After all, the only way to prevent burnout is to take proper care of yourself.
Social Interaction
Spending time with friends and colleagues outside of work gives you much-needed social and emotional fulfillment. Everyone needs a change of scenery sometimes, and that means getting away from the people you work with and detaching from the concerns you face at the office every day. Your brain needs relief just as the body does and spending time within your emotional support system is an energizing and renewing activity. Try scheduling social activities on a regular basis, whether for brunch on the weekend or a beer or two on Friday after work.
Learn to Say ‘No’
Part of succeeding at work means being willing to pitch in and be a good team player. Devoting time and energy to helping others and volunteering for work is admirable, but it can easily become a habit and a problem when others take advantage. If saying “no” is difficult for you, practice being diplomatic. Explain why you don’t have time to help. A colleague acting in good faith will honor the fact that you have other commitments or just need time away for self-care.
Extensive exposure to stress wears down your ability to cope with the frustrations and anxieties of the eight-to-five workplace. Managing stress means getting regular exercise and adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet and engaging in social activity. Observing good health habits will preserve your motivation, enthusiasm, and creativity.
Written by Julie Morris