Here’s why you’re feeling *so* burned out right now
If you’re reading this, we feel you. Feeling burned out is one thing, but not being able to pinpoint why makes things even more difficult. But don’t stress over feeling stressed, one of these three burnout classics may be the culprit…
Your Work Life Balance Is Wrong
Whether you’re working from home or back in the office, if your work hard/play hard ratio isn’t right then you’re probably heading towards a burnout. It is just as important to prioritise down time and doing so can help you become more productive in both your work and social life. Try to make time for quality relaxation and treat this with the same level of importance as you would for a work project or other task. After all, you are your own greatest investment.
Pandemic Fatigue
Pre 2020, ‘Pandemic Fatigue’ wasn’t an issue we ever thought we’d be faced with. But now, the condition has a Wikipedia page all of its own dedicated to outlining the mental health impacts of living through a pandemic. If the lockdowns, zoom calls and toilet roll shortages didn’t stress you out enough, the return to being a social butterfly might do the trick.
Taking your events calendar from zero to one hundred too quickly can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and anxious. Allow yourself time to slowly adjust back to pre-pandemic plans and don’t be afraid to say no. While it is important to encourage yourself to do the things you enjoy, remember to be safe.
SAD is setting in
If you naturally feel more energetic and motivated in the summer months, you’re not imagining it. Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD (I know, right) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, finding itself particularly prevalent during the winter months. Although it isn’t completely clear why this happens, it is often linked to a reduction in sun exposure that can impact the normal functioning of part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This can have a knock-on effect on the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone), serotonin (the happy hormone) and the body’s circadian rhythm (the body clock). So, how can we combat this ‘Winter Depression’? Like most mental health issues, positive lifestyle choices can make all the difference. Try to get more natural light throughout the day, keep up a solid exercise routine, eat a healthy balanced diet and manage stress in a way that suits you, such as meditation. For the tech lovers out there, you could purchase a special Light Therapy Lamp that stimulates exposure to natural sunlight. If you’re feeling particularly effected by depression this season, or any season, we recommend seeking help from a healthcare professional.
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