If you are a therapist or thinking about becoming a therapist, then it is important to know the word "Burnout." It is a very real experience that many therapists experience during their time in this field.
Burnout occurs when you have been feeling a prolonged period of stress which impacts you emotionally, physically and mentally. Many do not realize they are in a burnout phase as it tends to sneak up and surprise people. Once you recognize this is what you are experiencing, it's important to take action and discover what will assist you in decreasing your stress and moving you out of this burnout phase.
Personally, I find myself feeling burnout when my boundaries become overly flexible and I am willing to sacrifice my needs to help others with their needs. It feels good in the moment to be helpful and a resource for others, but at some point I lose myself and feel overly stressed. I've learned having an active exercise routine and focusing on sleep is a way of decreasing burnout for me.
Here are 10 ways to decrease burnout and increase your own health.
1. Take care of your physical health-find a workout routine, do yoga, go for a walk.
2. Create a morning routine that sets your mind right and prepares you for your day.
3. Personal development-invest in your own development by reading self-help books, attending trainings and understanding your strengths.
4. Get a therapist-having someone else to share your struggles with is so important.
5. Call your best friend and share your lives. This person knows you when you are at your best and your worst. Let them speak truth into your life.
6. When you leave work, leave work. Don’t check your phone or email when you are at home.
7. Create a system that works for you. Find a schedule that helps you be the most efficient and productive based on your strengths and abilities.
8. Ask for help-talk with your supervisors and managers if you are truly feeling burnt out allow them to help you decrease the burn out.
9. Take a personal day-your own mental health is as important as your clients. If you are not able to provide quality care, then take a day to recover and fill yourself back up.
10. Define your why. Journal or think about your why for the work you are doing. Figure out what is connecting to your why and what is not. See if you can make changes at work and if not there, where can you make changes in your personal life.
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