Today I’m taking the time out to discuss managing and identifying burnout, especially for those of us that are impacted by substance use disorder or are already in recovery. It’s important to have a conversation about burnout because it’s something that plagues many people in society today. Many people are in a place of burnout and don’t even know they think that this is every day regular life and how they should feel with every experience that they are able to That’s why it’s important to discuss more specifically what burnout is and how we can manage it as well as how we can find success and move past it in a healthy manner.
I myself know the impact of being burnt out, especially being someone in long-term recovery. At times my bill to manage stress schedule, and more can ultimately lead me to a place that I’m feeling a bit burnt out. I know firsthand that danger as well as being somebody in recovery and what happens when you’re in burnout and how it increases the potential for triggers to manifest in a way that you could relapse. This is why it’s important for those of us that are in recovery to live a proactive lifestyle that could potentially help us from avoiding the feeling of being burnt out altogether.
Let’s take a moment to understand what burnout is. Burn out by definition is a complex state of emotional mental and physical exhaustion that arises from prolonged exposure to stressors, particularly in the workplace or personal life. Typical symptoms of burnout or things that are associated with burnout, include persistent fatigue, irritability, decreased productivity, feelings of detachment and a sense of hopelessness. If you’re somebody that’s in recovery then you can probably see how being in this place or mindset can be potentially leading an individual down a path of relapse.
It’s important for those of us in recovery to be able to identify triggers, especially when being proactive against burnout or potential burnout. Take a moment if you want to jot down some of your triggers in the present day or some potential triggers you may face in the future. This is a good exercise because first I should have the opportunity to acknowledge what it is that could be potentially altering my past if I come about it. Various factors that can contribute to burnout such as overwhelming work demands personal life challenges, lack of support system, and unrealistic expectations placed on both you and those around you can all alternate individuals pathway going forward in a negative manner and lead to burnout I also at this time want to encourage those reading this to take a moment and reflect on the feelings that you felt in certain moments where you may have been triggered.
The impact of burnout should never be underestimated for it has an impact on both mental and physical health. It has a profound impact directly, not just on individuals, but their relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Starting statistics and data suggest that those that are battling burnout, often, eventually battle various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and even physical health complications. It is extremely important for these reasons alone and many that have not been mentioned to identify burnout early on.
some strategies to help manage lifestyle and be proactive when it comes to combing burnout, or as follows… First, I recommend individuals practice self-care that could be in the form of regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet or ensuring adequate sleep. All of these are extremely important. next, I would like to encourage anyone reading this blog to practice mindfulness techniques. This can come in a form of meditation, deep breathing exercises or journaling, which are all effective ways to manage stress and enhance overall well-being. Two more things I would like to mention our first effective time management, which is key when being proactive against certain anxieties that can come to scheduling in everyday life, and lastly, but not least building a proper support network. building a support network is so key because these are the individuals that you’re able to reach out to for help in moments where you need it the most.
As I bring this to a close, my hope is that we have a better understanding of the importance of being proactive against the potential of having burnout being an impact in your life. Being in recovery can sometimes be a struggle. When you add being burnt out while being in recovery it makes things even more difficult. So please take the time out, not just to reflect but potentially apply some of the things we’ve discussed briefly in this blog. Of course, if you have any additional questions and would like to discuss some of the things that you may have read today please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Believe Detox center.