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Recognize the Signs of Burnout Before You're Actually Burnt OutWednesday, July 24, 2024
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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.
Recognize the signs before you burnoutThe 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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8 Tips to Stay Cool this Summer!Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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We are all relieved when the snow finally melts, and the mucky spring weather turns into the balmy days of summer. But do you know how to stay cool and healthy in the summer heat?
Many people are aware of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which can cause sunburns. Wearing sunscreen is always advised! But there are other concerns about heat, even if you avoid direct sunshine.
Heat exhaustion can occur from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluid intake. It can range from heat cramps to a severe form of heat stroke. Symptoms may include excessive sweating, cool, pale, and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headache, dizziness, and elevated body temperature. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, they need to be moved to a cooler place, have their clothing loosened or removed, and they need to drink plenty of cool liquids.
8 Tips to keep seniors (or anyone else!) safe in the summer heat:
1. Keep well hydrated! Drink eight or more glasses of water daily. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink! Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic and sugary beverages, as they may dehydrate rather than hydrate.
2. Dress Appropriately! Wear loose-fitting and light-weight clothing.
3. Air Conditioning is your best friend! Remain indoors in the extreme heat and utilize air conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to a public place such as a library or shopping mall. Even a few hours of relief from the heat can prevent heat stroke.
4. Electric fans aren’t always the best. Keep the house as cool as possible by keeping shades closed during the hottest part of the day. An electric fan may feel comfortable, but it does not prevent heat-related illness if temperatures soar into the mid-30’s Celsius.
5. Cool down! Take a cool bath, shower, or sponge bath to lower your body temperature. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck.
6. Enjoy outdoor activities in the early morning or the evening when the heat is not as severe. Don’t forget to use the broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and if it’s sunny wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses.
7. Stayed Shaded when you are outside. Even in the early mornings and evenings, stick to the shade so you aren’t as exposed to the sun’s rays.
8.Know the signs of heat exhaustion so that you can get immediate assistance. Some symptoms to watch for are throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, hot dry skin with no sweat, muscles weakness, cramps and trouble breathing,
Enjoy a safe and healthy summer! |
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Chloe Hamilton 117 May 7, 2025 |
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Lissette Mairena Wong 33 April 14, 2025 |
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Avery Hamilton 3 June 7, 2018 |
