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Pandemic Burnout - Symptoms and Solutions!

Pandemic Burnout - Symptoms and Solutions!

Do you have pandemic burnout - what can you do about it?

An increasing number of us are feeling worn out and unable to cope, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our world in 2020. Between the frenzy of balancing work, homeschooling, isolation, curfews, housework, job losses, deaths, and so many more daily struggles, it's no surprise some of us are feeling like we've reached the end of the tether.

Experts are calling it pandemic fatigue/burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as "feelings of intense fatigue, loss of control and accomplishing nothing at work" - this goes beyond just professional aspects and often impacts your personal life, too.

Here's how you can tell if you're suffering from a pandemic burnout, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Symptoms of pandemic fatigue/burnout 

It’s important to recognize the physical, emotional and mental symptoms of burnout. Here are a few of them:

  • Fatigue (even after a good night's rest)
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Moodiness, irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation, decreased self-esteem and stress
  • Trouble concentrating, remembering things and making decisions
  • Isolating oneself
  • Procrastination
  • Frequent negative thoughts
  • Feelings of being overwhelmed and losing control of your life

How to prevent/overcome a burnout

Perhaps it's time to start taking care of yourselfIn the midst of balancing careers, studies, kids, partners, family/friends, pets, finances, housework, job losses and more, it's easy to fall into the trap of burnout.

1) Nourish your body

Your body really is an amazing creation and puts up with a lot! An important part of maintaining a balanced lifestyle is to remember that everything is about give and take. So while you're pushing your body and mind's limits in an attempt to manage the challenges of the pandemic, you need to nourish your body in order to get the most out of it and avoid going into depletion mode. 

Superfoods are high in nutrients and health-giving properties that your body will be grateful for. Invest in Superfoods such as chia seeds, spirulina, maca powder, cacao powder and hemp seed protein. Incorporating these powerhouse foods into your diet will increase stamina, sharpen the mind and give your body the tools to take it next level.

Exercise is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle. While it's difficult to incorporate an exercise routine into your busy schedule, a simple 20 minutes a day can do wonders for your emotional state of being and keeping the blood flowing!

Meditation before bed allows you to relax after a hard day's work and prepare your brain for some deep, much needed sleep. Being on electronics before bed works against quality shuteye due to the electromagnetic waves and light that delays the release of our sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. Close your laptop, switch off your mobile lay down for a meditation session before falling asleep. Health practitioners suggest that a 20 minute meditation equals 2 hours worth of sleep!

2) Recognise and treat stress (nip it in the bud before you have a meltdown)

Did you know that stress is one of the leading causes of illness? According to the American Psychological Association, "..chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And more than 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints." - www.miamiherald.com. This is a shocking, yet believable statistic! Stress has a huge effect on various bodily organs, and if you don't make an effort to take care of your mental state, it can be serious. There are various things that you can do to remedy your body being affected by stress, such as exercise, meditation, going for walks or going for massages. 

Tip: Aromatherapy oils are well-known for reducing stress! Whether you add a few drops to your bath, rub onto your temples, go for aromatherapy massages or use in an aromatherapy diffuser, you will immediately feel your stress levels decrease! View our entire collection of pure, organic aromatherapy essential oils.

3) Drink sufficient water

Staying hydrated is so underrated when it comes to leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle. People with busy or stressful schedules tend to consume caffeine regularly. Yes, caffeine provides the body with energy boosts, however it's not the most sustainable way to keep your engine running. Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. At the same time, it triggers the release of adrenaline, a hormone associated with increased energy. So, it only makes sense that consuming too much caffeine can result in adrenal fatigue and even anxiety! Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic and can dehydrate your body. 

Tip: Ensure you're drinking more water than coffee! Avoid an overly-stimulated, dehydrated body by limiting your caffeine intake to 1 - 2 cups of coffee per day. You should also think about investing in an effective supplement to boost your performance and endurance. This high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement contains a wide spectrum of daily vitamin and mineral nutritional needs, assisting with energy levels and physical endurance! It's loved by many because it's dairy-free, wheat-free, preservative-free and vegan-friendly!

4) Set boundaries

For people who live with other people, whether it's a partner, a friend, a family member or kids, strain on the relationship will naturally occur. It makes sense - we're stuck inside our homes and forced to spend more time with these people than usual. Set boundaries with those around you and make sure they understand that you need personal space and time - set aside alone time to read, exercise, relax, meditate and enjoy your hobbies. If you are working from home, set aside your own quiet space and don't allow anyone to disturb you. 

5) Stay connected

Feelings of loneliness have been proven to be detrimental to one's mental and physical health. It is possible to continue social distancing while maintaining social relationships with your loved ones. Plan regular video meetings or calls, take an online yoga class with a friend, go for walks with a friend - there are many options to help maintain your relationships to avoid feelings of isolation during these uncertain times.

Remember, just as you need to take your alone time seriously, you also need to spend time nurturing your relationships. Eat meals together, have date nights, have game nights and work at keeping the household environment positive and happy. Remember to ask the people you're surrounded with how they are coping - they're also going through a lot!

6) Manage your anxiety/depression

Whether you suffer from chronic anxiety/depression or not, it's common for people to experience intensified anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Before you reach the end of your tether, be sure to keep a bottle of PureCalm on hand to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. A few drops of this herbal remedy will help to calm you down and feel more in control.

Many people also feel sad, depressed and lonely during this time because they’ve lost loved ones or their jobs, not to mention the fact that their entire lives (and the world) have completely changed! Use a natural mood tonic such as MindSoothe or Sceletium Capsules to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety, and promote balanced mood and feelings.

7) Enhance your brain health

An increasing number of people (adults AND kids) are feeling worn out and unable to cope with work and school. One of the most important organs in our bodies is the brain, so it's important to make sure our brains are functioning at their best! A healthy brain ensures good performance, mental clarity, good concentration skills and memory (not to mention overall health and balance in your bodily functions). Additionally, looking after your brain greatly benefits your cognitive functioning in the long term and helps to prevent neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

READ: 7 foods to boost your brain health and functioning >

There are also many natural ingredients that have been proven to improve memory - take a look at our BrainShine Capsules. We also have a further wide range of brain health and concentration (plus natural ADHD remedies) that can help you boost your brain power during the pandemic >.

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