Burnout is real...

So people often use the statement that they feel burntout...I used to find myself saying that, but I truly had no idea what that really meant...Until this week. I am so ready to go leave STL and school, but I still have 3 exams left. :( I found some information on Burnout...the signs, symptoms, and what you can do about it. This is probably more therapeautic than complaining/whining/crying on the phone to my mom/friends (even though that has helped)...

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.
Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Stress vs. Burnout
Stress				Burnout
Characterized by overengagement				Characterized by disengagement
Emotions are overreactive				Emotions are blunted
Produces urgency and hyperactivity				Produces helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of energy				Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope
Leads to anxiety disorders				Leads to detachment and depression
Primary damage is physical				Primary damage is emotional

Dealing with Burnout: The "Three R" Approach

• Recognize – Watch for the warning signs of burnout
• Reverse – Undo the damage by managing stress and seeking support
• Resilience – Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health

Burnout prevention tips

• Start the day with a relaxing ritual. Rather jumping out of bed as soon as you wake up, spend at least fifteen minutes meditating, writing in your journal, doing gentle stretches, or reading something that inspires you.
• Adopt healthy eating, exercising, and sleeping habits. When you eat right, engage in regular physical activity, and get plenty of rest, you have the energy and resilience to deal with life’s hassles and demands. 
• Set boundaries. Don’t overextend yourself. Learn how to say “no” to requests on your time. If you find this difficult, remind yourself that saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to the things that you truly want to do.
• Take a daily break from technology. Set a time each day when you completely disconnect. Put away your laptop, turn off your phone, and stop checking email.
• Nourish your creative side. Creativity is a powerful antidote to burnout. Try something new, start a fun project, or resume a favorite hobby. Choose activities that have nothing to do with work.
• Learn how to manage stress. When you’re on the road to burnout, you may feel helpless. But you have a lot more control over stress than you may think. Learning how to manage stress can help you regain your balance. 

Like I said earlier, there are times in undergrad when I may have felt burntout...but I really wasn't, that was nothing compared to how I feel now. I hope I never feel this way again. I just need to take a break, relax, rejuvenate, and get back to it. :sigh: Until Next Time...