top 3 tips to reduce burnout

The World Health Organisation defines burnout as, "syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed". It is characterised by the following three symptoms:

• feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
• increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
• reduced professional efficacy

It is a syndrome particularly rife in the healthcare setting and given current events is no doubt on the rise. On top of that with more and more people working from home it becomes more difficult to separate work from home life and achieve balance.

This is something I struggled with when working in the public hospital system full time and was a big driver in directing me towards starting Zephyr Movement. I have had a lot of practitioners that tell me they struggle to 'switch off' after work or simply struggle to relax. The following tips aren't revolutionary but a great reminder or push in the right direction. 

1. When cooking/eating dinner practice mindfulness to leave work at work!
I'm assuming everyone is in need of a good feed after a long day at work. So whilst cooking/eating dinner utilise your 5 senses. What can you hear? Eg) The boiling water, sound of the knife as you cut the veggies, music or tv in the background. What can you smell? Eg) Different herbs/spices, scented candle in the room etc. Repeat for sight, taste and touch. This is an easy way to maintain focus on the present moment instead of what you may have left on your to do list or a patient you are concerned about etc. 

2. Practice good sleep hygiene to facilitate relaxation!
Think about how you can make your environment more relaxing an hour or two before you plan on wanting to sleep. I'm not going to tell you not to watch tv before bed because I also do it. It helps you enter a theta wave brain state which is relaxing. However, turn the blue light off on your laptop/phone. Most models give you the option to set it up a timer automatically from sunset to sunrise. This assists regulating melanin production, a chemical that assists with circadian rhythm. Furthermore, find what is relaxing for you using all your senses. I use scented candles and warm fairy lights instead of the bright overhead lights and always listen to a hypnosis track as I fall asleep.

3. Listen to your intuition when you want to say NO.
We all know the sinking feeling in our gut that is a hard no. Sometimes it is hard to honour that feeling and say no to the extra shift or task your employer has set for you. I encourage you to sit down and work out what your personal boundaries are. How much time off do you need in a week? (A typical weekend is 48hours) What does my time off need to include in order to feel rested? (I.e. not just chores/ cooking for the week and exercise) These become little promises you can keep with yourself. Best way to start building boundaries with other people is to practice with yourself first. This way when you get asked to work that extra shift, you can think of it as saying yes to your wellbeing instead of no to your employer.

Hope this helps! If you are interested in breathing better for your wellbeing or want to try clinical hypnotherapy. Reach out and enquire here.

​Stay safe and be kind :)