In our hustle and bustle culture, stress and burnout are intertwined and seem to be part of everyday work life. Most people don't recognize that there is a difference between stress and burnout. It's common to say "I'm stressed out" or "I'm exhausted" after another long day but what if you're teetering towards burnout?

 

What is burnout?

Stress is inevitable and part of everyday life but prolonged and constant stress leading to "a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion" is burnout. Indicators of burnout are if you're feeling an increase of helplessness, resentfulness, cynicism, pessimism, and reduction in productivity. The feeling of "you have nothing else to give" is when you're entering burnout territory.

 

a man burnout so he's resting on his desk

Recognize the signs before you burnout

The reality is burnout spills over to every aspect of your life - work, home, and social life. So, it's best to recognize the signs of potential burnout before you're burnt out.

 

1. You're feeling as though "every day is a bad day."

 

Your perspective is shifting slowly and your definition of a "bad day" is changing. For instance, before you found indoor rock climbing exciting and a healthy challenge but now you describe it as difficult and overwhelming. When you're burnt out, negative emotions and thoughts increase and they begin to overshadow positive ones.

 

2. You're exhausted all the time

 

You're sleeping in on the weekends but you still can't shake off your exhaustion. No matter how much you sleep in you wake up feeling tired! If that's you, you could be experiencing emotional exhaustion - "the state of feeling emotionally worn out and drained." Feeling emotionally exhausted can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, physical fatigue, and lack of sleep.

 

3. You're vulnerable to getting sick

 

You find yourself frequently sick with a head cold and you can't seem to recover fast enough. Before you'd have a cold for only two days but now it takes you a week to get over it. A common symptom of burnout is physical illnesses, like headaches, colds, and flu because prolonged stress has shown to lower immunity.

 

4. Your social life has changed

 

You love being around people but lately, you're isolating yourself from your friends and taking a little longer to respond to text messages/emails.  After a busy day of work, all you want to do is be alone and sleep so the last thought on your mind is hanging out with a friend. You're slowly changing and what you found exciting and life-giving is now draining and exhausting. However, you're feeling alone, forgotten, and unappreciated.

 

Burnout and stress are similar in symptoms but the major indicator of burnout is that you're feeling detached and depressed. If you're feeling burnt out, you're not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and express to them how you've been feeling. Your openness doesn't make you a burden - it makes you human. If you're a family caregiver and need support, you're not alone, contact us and we'll be there for you.

 

Resources:

Job burnout: How to spot it and take action

Burnout Prevention and Treatment

Emotional Exhaustion: What It Is and How to Treat It

 

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7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is a cherished opportunity to celebrate the special bond between fathers and their children. It's a time to express gratitude for all the love, support, and guidance Dad has provided throughout the years.

Here are some thoughtful ideas to make Father’s Day extra special:

 

Photo by Markus Spiske

 

1. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend quality time with Dad outdoors. Whether it’s a round of golf, a leisurely walk, or a hike in nature, soaking up the sunshine together is a great way to create lasting memories.

 

2. Give the Gift of Home Maintenance

Help lighten Dad’s load by taking care of some household tasks for him. Consider arranging for lawn care, garden upkeep, or housekeeping services to give him a well-deserved break from chores.

 

3. Personalize Care Packages

Put together a care package filled with Dad’s favorite items, such as grooming products, snacks, or hobby supplies. Personalize the package with thoughtful touches that reflect his interests and preferences.

 

4. Create a Family Photo Wall

Capture cherished memories by creating a family photo wall in Dad’s home. Choose photos that bring him joy and comfort, and consider selecting images that resonate with his fondest memories.

 

5. Gift Comfort and Relaxation

Give Dad the gift of comfort with a cozy quilt or a weighted blanket. These items can provide warmth and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep.

 

Remember, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the love and support Dad has given throughout the years. Whether you’re spending the day together in person or sending your love from afar, let Dad know how much he means to you.

 

Wishing all the dads, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers a happy Father’s Day filled with love and appreciation!

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