Kate Bithell, mental health nurse at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere, explains why we get burnout during what is supposed to be a ‘relaxing season’, how you can spot the signs and what you can do to avoid it this summer.
It is not uncommon for us to feel a little burnout with all the extra things we have planned during the summer – especially with work on top too.
So how can you keep it under control and spot the signs of when you need to take a step back?
Why do we get burnout during summer?
Though summer is often hailed as a season for rest and relaxation, a lot of the time, we can find ourselves feeling the total opposite, and there are a number of reasons why.
Firstly, work. You may have noticed that now summer is in full swing, colleagues tend to be out of the office a little bit more than usual, going to festivals, seeing friends, and taking much-needed vacations, meaning that you have to fill in during their absence, adding to your already hectic to-do list. This can lead to burnout.
It is not just work that can contribute to burnout during summer; our personal lives can get in the way too.
With the weather being warmer during the summer months, many of us like to spend time making the most of it before autumn sets in, whether that is hosting BBQs, enjoying a drink in a beer garden, or just spending time with friends or loved ones.
While making lots of plans might seem like a great idea, when your diary becomes full and you have no time to rest, recharge and relax, you may find yourself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and unable to keep up.
Not only that, but this ‘need’ to make the most of summer, can also create unnecessary pressure to do so, instead of simply just being in the moment.
This may make you feel exhausted or disappointed when it does not live up to our expectations.
What are the signs you are heading for burnout?
If you are worried that you or a loved one may be experiencing burnout this summer, we at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have revealed three signs to look out for.
- Feeling disengaged or withdrawn
If your diary is full of exciting plans this summer, but you find yourself not engaged, withdrawn or unexcited by the prospect of them, it may be a sign that you are heading for burnout.
Disengagement may also manifest itself at work as feeling disinterested in your work or taking longer to complete tasks than you normally would.
- Feeling exhausted
If you think you might be on the verge of burnout due to either stress, increased workload, or a busy schedule during summer, you may begin to experience and display emotional and physical signs of exhaustion.
People begin to feel a lack of physical energy, but they also develop feelings of being emotionally drained and depleted.
A common sign of exhaustion is the lack of motivation to get out of bed in the morning, or day-to-day life becomes more challenging than normal.
Over-exhaustion and extreme tiredness can result in sickness, and the shortage of energy from burnout can lead to decreased immunity to common colds or flu.
- You are more irritable or sensitive than normal
Another sign you might be struggling with burnout is feeling more irritable or sensitive than normal. This could manifest itself as aggression towards your family, friends, and colleagues.
While everybody experiences some negative emotions from time to time, it is vital to recognise when these feelings are becoming unusual.
Second part of article to follow on www.thatsfarming.com
