In New York, we tend to be “always on.” Busy balancing our jobs and social life, the list of demands and pressures can sometimes feel too much. Burnout can result from pushing past what we can manage; we think we can do everything on our plate, but often we aren’t sleeping enough, eating well, moving our bodies, or engaging in joy. The result? Feeling physically and mentally depleted.
Today we hear from Larissa May on her personal experience with burnout, and her 5 helpful tips to help support and aid in burnout recovery.
Millennials have been labeled the “burn-out generation.” As a female founder and recovering perfectionist, I’ve learned the hard way. I remember the feeling of burnout so vividly. I would wake up in the morning with an anxious feeling in my stomach, a cold (auto-immune response), and shaky hands.
The simple things like making coffee, putting on socks, and checking emails seemed almost impossible. I could no longer complete tasks, engage in conversations, or wrap my mind around choosing an item off a menu. I lost my spirit and I was FINALLLY diagnosed with mono. After a year long battle and 3 trips to the ER, I had no choice but to stop, face my reality, and change my ways.
I learned quickly that there is a difference between “feeling tired” and burn-out. In an “always on” culture, the anxiety and pressure of work can sometimes seem impossible to escape after hours, especially when you’re building your own business. Over time, the mental “wear and tear” has the ability to compound if you are unable to set boundaries and take time you truly need to care for yourself.
According to the World Health Organization, Burn-out is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that is not managed. Burnout can manifest both physically and psychologically through the following symptoms:
Psychological:
Physical:
Ever since experiencing burnout I’ve integrated small practices that over time have had a profound impact on my well-being. I’ve learned that when it comes to self care, small acts of self love and mindfulness make all the difference.
Have you ever experienced burnout? How do you prevent it?
We hope these tips have been helpful for you in learning how to help prevent burnout, and to help aid in burnout recovery. Huge thank you to Larissa May for her perspective today.
To see Larissa talk through these tips above, check out our Instagram stories (and highlights on this and other topics) @findmywellbeing.
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Larissa May is a mental health advocate and social media consultant whose early years as a fashion blogger propelled her to the forefront of the discussion on mental health in the digital age. At just 24, May (known by most as Larz) runs her own company called #HalfTheStory, which is global non-profit community and media platform reducing the negative effects of social media on youth. You can find her on instagram @livinglikelarz and join the mental health conversation on @halfthestory.
