Workplace burnout is a type of job stress that involves a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion combined with doubts about your capabilities/competence and the value of your work. People experience burnout due to excessive workload, unrealistic time pressures, lack of civility in the workplace, lack of appreciation for work done, etc.
As the week comes to an end, most of us are OFFICIALLY feeling intellectually bankrupt as a result of continuously pushing and extending ourselves too hard all week long, without taking time to recharge our body and mind. And surprise, surprise, you can’t achieve your goals if you don’t nourish your body and mind. That’s why I have listed 5 great ways to use weekends to recover from workplace burnout.
1). Sleep as if you haven’t slept in years
Go.To.Bed. Many people – especially those suffering from workplace burnout – are guilty of thinking that working extra hours is a badge of honour. I really don’t think so. Working long hours could actually make you less productive. While your boss or supervisors might heap praises on you for being committed to your work, your body and social life suffer in return. The more you sleep, the better your mood, fitness, health, and stress levels will be. Sleeping will help you improve your memory, make you cleverer, and even add more years to your life.
2). Make room for laughter and play in your life
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
If your routine has always involved waking up, preparing for work, and coming back home dead-beat; life can seem pretty unimaginable and definitely not funny. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize laughter and play in your life. Use your weekends as an opportunity to laugh more. Take time to watch a stand-up comedy (live or online), invite your funny friends for breakfast, or watch funny comics. Whatever it takes to tickle your funny bone and leave you laughing, put it on your calendar, and MAKE IT HAPPEN.
3). Camping
Piles of work from the boss, answering phone calls, attending meetings, setting up appointments, etc contributes to our stress levels. And that’s where camping can help you recover. Having a break from the fast lane, and being out in the wild does wonder for our mental health.
Camping helps you get more sun exposure, allows you (via hiking) to exercise without even knowing it, makes you spend more time with your loved ones, and helps you worry less about everyday stress.
As a tip, when planning to go camping, ensure you pack essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, torches, mosquito repellent, plastic bags for dirt, bottled water, and a survival knife. Don’t forget sunscreen, comfortable shoes, basic toiletries, a first aid kit, as well as spare clothes.
4). Engage in gentle, slow forms of exercise
The health benefits of exercise are uncountable…but when you’re experiencing workplace burnout, getting out of bed can be challenging, let alone exercising. Therefore, engage in slow, gentle exercises for short periods of time, without pushing yourself beyond your limits. Wondering where to start from? Go for slow walks away from the traffic noise, stretch for a few minutes on the floor of your bedroom or sitting room, practice yoga from home, or dance around to a favourite song from home. If you find yourself more tired after your workout, you need to stop overexerting yourself.
Bottom line: Ease is the name of the game.
5). Eat small foods frequently to avoid sugar spikes
While this might sound challenging to you, it is necessary. During your burnout recovery, try not to consume two or more massive meals, or processed sugar, caffeine, or foods per day. Rather, eat four to six small, organic, nutrient-dense meals per day. This will help balance your blood sugar levels.