How To Recover From Burnout (And Regain Motivation)

Burnout is an extreme form of exhaustion that often results from untreated chronic stress. If you’re currently experiencing burnout, chances are you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unmotivated. It’s important to take steps to remedy burnout at the first signs. The longer burnout goes on without being treated, the longer the recovery period can take. The recovery period for burnout will look different for each person. It’s imperative not to rush this timeframe and to be patient as you work toward rehabilitating yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Below are some helpful tips to help you recover from burnout and regain motivation.

Rest And Recharge

In order to recover from burnout, it’s important to allow yourself to rest and recharge. This might involve taking time off, if possible, from work, ensuring you’re getting plenty of sleep, and limiting social interactions that drain you. Give yourself permission to take a break and engage in activities that help you relax and make you feel rejuvenated. Sometimes it can be hard to determine what kind of rest your body is craving. This article goes into great detail on the seven types of rest you need. Practice incorporating daily activities that provide these key types of rest.

Focus On Self-Care

Prioritize your recovery by focusing on self-care. While you likely aren’t feeling motivated to do more than the bare minimum during extreme burnout, do what you can to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques like yoga and meditation. Journaling is a great mindfulness activity that has many health benefits including reduced stress and lowered blood pressure. It’s also a great way to regulate and freely express your emotions during challenging times.

Practice Self-Compassion

While it can be frustrating to experience burnout, it’s imperative to practice self-compassion during this time. Be kind to yourself, and be patient with the process of recovery. Acknowledge that these feelings are normal, and that most people experience burnout from time to time. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in the same situation.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries for yourself can help you as you recover from burnout and prevent a future relapse. Learn to say ‘no’ to anything that doesn’t make you happy. Don’t take on any additional responsibilities – whether personal or for work – that leave you feeling drained. Make your boundaries clear and concise so that they’re easy to follow. Be sure to effectively communicate these boundaries with others so that they are respected.

Create A Supportive Environment

Having a supportive environment is essential for fully recovering from burnout. If you don’t currently feel like you are in a supportive environment, you can try to create one as best you can. Do your best to eliminate anything (or anyone) that puts unnecessary stress on you. Practice healthy habits. Prepare your home to be an inviting and relaxing space for yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift, encourage, and inspire you.

Connect With Others

Connecting with others during hard times can be greatly therapeutic. Talk with a trusted friend or family member about how you’re feeling. Sometimes, just talking about how you’re feeling can make you feel lighter and less stressed. It can also offer you a new or different perspective on what you’re going through. If you’re experiencing severe burnout or symptoms such as depression or anxiety, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a trained mental health professional. They will have access to tools and resources to help you overcome negative thought patterns and recover from burnout more quickly. Many therapists can also point you toward a support group of individuals who have previously, or are currently going through a similar experience.

Reconnect With Your Values

If you’re experiencing chronic or frequent burnout, you should reevaluate your values. Take some time to reflect on what you truly value and what’s important to you. Ask yourself if your values line up with your current goals. Does what you’re working towards in the present still align with who you envision yourself to be in the future? If not, it’s time for a change. While change can be scary and intimidating, know that it’s never too late to start over. In fact, starting over in life can actually be a good thing if it means living a life that truly makes you happy. When you are following your passions and living a life that embodies your values, you naturally experience more positivity and motivation, and are less likely to experience feelings of burnout.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

Burnout can leave you feeling absolutely drained and unmotivated. So, it’s important to start slowly as you recover. Once you’ve reconnected with your values, you can begin to set small, achievable goals for yourself. The smaller these goals are initially, the better. Break down necessary tasks into tiny, actionable steps. Be sure to celebrate small victories as you go. As you start to accomplish some of these smaller goals, you’ll gradually build momentum and feel more confident and motivated to reach bigger goals once you’ve recovered.

Try Something New

When burnout is leaving you in a funk, it can be helpful to switch things up. While it’ll probably be the last thing you want to do, sometimes trying something new can help you to regain a sense of excitement and motivation. You can add novelty to your life by trying out a new hobby, or visiting a new place you’ve never been to before. Check out these fun ways to add more positive anticipation into your life. Positively anticipating future events can help you better manage stress and provide you with more motivation.

Conclusion

While burnout is uncomfortable, most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime. It’s crucial to practice self-love and compassion as you recover from burnout. Be sure to make time to rest and prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. Say ‘no’ to things that drain you and set clear boundaries. Be sure to create a supportive environment for yourself as you recover. Surround yourself with people who motivate, encourage, and inspire you. And of course, be sure to seek professional help if you experience chronic or frequent burnout.

Burnout got you feeling lost? Learn how to get back on track or check out these amazing journaling prompts for self-discovery.

 

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