A vital habit we should not overlook
Today’s lifestyle and the culture of success make us exceed the time we should dedicate to work and forget about the spaces our body and mind need to renovate. Do you take care of work issues during holidays and feel guilty if you don’t? Do you sacrifice weekends and sleeping hours to get done with work? Do you stuff your vacations with activities to a point where you return home exhausted and feeling that you need “vacations from the vacations”? Even though we all have moments, even periods of work overload, it is dangerous to make them our lifestyle.
Burnout syndrome
Burnout syndrome is a chronic state of work-related stress that manifests through a permanent state of physical and mental exhaustion, which not only affects our performance but can also have other negative effects on our self-esteem and personality. Here we share with you some preventive measures to stay away from burnout syndrome.
Respect your sleeping time
Poor sleeping quality is directly related to chronic exhaustion. Actually, insomnia is one of the most evident symptoms of burnout syndrome. Reestablishing a healthy sleeping routine can be challenging for people who have “accustomed” their organism to sleep deprivation. However, getting seven or eight hours of sleep per night is crucial to maintaining our health. Develop routines such as turning off all the electronic devices at a certain time and commit yourself to respecting that limit. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, avoid big meals or caffeinated beverages before going to bed, and make at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
Rest at least a full day a week/disconnect at least a few days a year
It is true that sometimes we literally have no other choice than to scarifying a day off, but we shouldn’t make this a bad habit. Forgetting about our professional activities for at least one day helps us renovate and return to our daily life with enthusiasm and energy. When you plan your vacations, remember what they are; you have the right to forget about work issues. If you are planning to travel, ask yourself if you are willing to get into a marathon journey that will drain you or if what you really need is just resting.
Meditation, mindfulness, and constructive rest
Meditation and mindfulness are very useful, and you can practice them every day. You don’t need to be a master to meditate or make any pose in particular. Just take a comfortable sitting position and start by meditating for a few minutes per day. Constructive rest is a great tool to integrate into your daily routine, and it is free of charge. Lay down on a firm surface with the head slightly lifted (place a 4 cm in width under your head) and the knees bent, or roll a blanket underneath them. This will help you decompress your lower back. Like meditation or mindfulness, constructive rest is an activity itself. Make the most of this practice by refraining from using your cellphone or having any external distraction.
