Stressed, Exhausted & Burned Out? 4 Signs You Need a Break & 10 Ways to Help Fix It by Julie Potiker

Mindfulness
2 years ago

Stressed, Exhausted & Burned Out? 4 Signs You Need a Break & 10 Ways to Help Fix It

When we are exhausted and burned out by constant stress, we are unable to function at our best. It may feel like we are looking at the world through a haze, simple tasks can become a struggle, and we may get frustrated and lose our temper more easily. 

Some signs you need to take a day to revive your mental health include:

  • Disturbed sleep. You find yourself sleeping either too little or too much.
  • Brain fog. Your mind seems sluggish and you have trouble focusing on tasks, remembering things and paying attention.
  • Low productivity. You notice you are not getting as much done as usual and everything seems to take twice as long as it should.
  • Low mood. You feel you have lost your connection to loving life.

One reason people get to this state is they push themselves to go-go-go, plowing through their to-do lists without taking any time to care for themselves. Another reason – particularly common to moms and women – is feeling guilty that they are somehow overlooking the needs of their families or friends. But if you’re experiencing the signs above, it’s a red flag that you need to take time out for yourself.

You must put on the proverbial oxygen mask first, so you can show up to serve others as your best self.

Some of my favorite ways to rest and recharge are spending time in nature, taking a slow warm bath, listening to soothing music and exercising. Here are 10 ways I recommend to rejuvenate your mental health, reboot your mood and boost your emotional wellness:

  1. Meditate. Download the Insight Timer app and pick a guided meditation to do every day. Insight Timer now has over 100,000 meditations, but don’t freak out – they are organized and searchable by length, topic and author. 
  2. Get grounded through the soles of your feet or by rubbing a here-and-now stone.
  3. Practice mindfulness while brushing your teeth.
  4. Take time out for mindful eating.
  5. Stroll with a purpose with mindful walking.
  6. Practice taking in the good.
  7. Be in the moment with your favorite music. Make a playlist of songs that move you.
  8. Practice the Sending-Receiving Meditation.
  9. Try calling yourself “sweetheart,” “dear” or another term of endearment.
  10. Engage in Loving Kindness Meditation for yourself and others.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Emotional Health & Wellness During COVID-19: ​5 Ways to Create Healthy Emotional Boundaries & Start Feeling Better

Tap Your Inner Calm: 5 Mindfulness Tips to Cultivate Calm During Chaos

No Time to Meditate? Think Again! 5 Ways to Take 60 Seconds for Mindfulness Meditation

Ways to Reduce Stress: 5 Tips to Protect Your Immune System With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Elisa Schmitz
So important to remember all of this during these extra-stressful times. Thank you for the inspiration, Julie Potiker , and for all you share with us!
Tribe
I have to do more meditation. It helps but I have to make it a priority...

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything