As burnout is on the rise in the workplace, here are 5 ways to prevent burnout and help to top up employees’ energy levels.

As you may be aware, burnout is a form of work-related stress.

This can be recognised as having:
– Severe lack of motivation and energy
– Decreased employee engagement
– Increased irritability and pessimism about work, and with those people you interact with
– Little or no satisfaction from your achievements
– A change of sleeping habits
– Headaches or physical complaints, including stomach and bowel problems
– Numbing feelings by using alcohol, food, or drugs in an attempt to feel better

Many factors can contribute to burnout, and discussing them with colleagues or through services like therapy or counselling can be beneficial.
Self-care is also essential, and here are 5 ways to prevent burnout

1. Take time to relax
Do a relaxing activity to release stress, which will activate your relaxing parasympathetic nervous system, which enables you to feel safe, rested, calm, and
helps your digestion. Activities include Laughter Yoga, various forms of deep breathing (such as belly breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and breath focus), traditional Yoga, meditation, and a visit to the Epsom Salts floatation spa. One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is Non-Sleep Deep Rest (Yoga Nidra).  These practices help us transition out of the fight-or-flight mode and into a relaxed state, thereby melting stress.

2. Connect
Have social connections with positive, uplifting people who you feel listen to you. This has been proven to stimulate the production of many feel-good chemicals in our brain. Trying a new
Activities or hobbies you used to enjoy with your positive friends, such as Laughter Yoga, can help you relax and feel valued, thanks to the release of oxytocin.

3. Hug
Hug your loved ones, friends, or if that’s not an option, give yourself a self-hug. This releases oxytocin – the hormone that gives you the feeling of being loved, cared for, and calm. Not a quick one, though; we’re talking at least 10 seconds, nourishing you with a strong bond and connection. A more extended 20-second hug can significantly reduce stress and boost your immune system.

4. Get enough sleep
It may seem obvious: sleep is how our bodies restore themselves. We have better concentration, fewer accidents (think about how many car accidents happen with
tired drivers), memory problems, mood swings, weight gain, and poor balance. It is also enabling all vitamins to be absorbed within the body, and how our brains fully
absorb information. Lack of sleep over a prolonged period can impact our physical fitness and immunity, and may even limit life expectancy.

In the Serious Laughter Prevent Burnout Sessions, we offer Non-Sleep Deep Rest (Yoga Nidra), which reminds the body how to rest deeply and so is a favourite of those with chronic fatigue or sleep problems. Twenty minutes of Non-Sleep Deep Rest is equivalent to two hours of restful sleep, which can prevent burnout from happening. Prevention is always better than burnout and absenteeism.

5. Eat well and exercise

Having healthy snacks and easy-to-prepare meals means your body isn’t spending all its time and energy trying to process high levels of sugar and carbohydrates. Take in some
Vitamin D and multi-vitamins to boost you, especially if you’ve been neglecting healthy food nutrients.

Slowly increasing all these well-being factors to prevent burnout is necessary (and there may be more; always consult your medical practitioner if you have or believe you are heading towards burnout).

Download your free 10 Tips to Prevent Burnout here

“If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness” is the quote by Julie Genney Coaching.

For more information on Prevent Burnout sessions and Stress Management workshops, head over to the contact page for information or email Sunny Turner or call/WhatsApp 07974778091

You may enjoy reading this article How to Catch Up On Sleep: 5 Ways to Recover From Sleep Debt