This past year has been insanely hard for so many people so it’s no surprise that many people are really struggling with burnout, especially as we enter another 6 weeks in lockdown. Whether you’re having to work from home away from any human contact, still having to travel to work, a key worker or struggling to even get work - there is nothing normal about the world that we live in right now so your mental health needs to be a top priority.
Few simple ways to prevent pandemic burn out
DON’T - look at your phone first thing in the morning, you’ll be flooding it with information that it doesn’t need. The most important thing you can do when you first wake up is to connect with your breath – your superpower!
MEDITATE – every morning to set your brain up for the day. Find a few minutes to deepen your breathing and check-in with how you’re feeling (without any judgement). Regularly tuning in and processing your emotions ensures that things don’t become overwhelming and deep breathing engages your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relaxation).
DON’T - look at your emails outside of working hours. If you’re working from home this is especially important. Set a clear working day for yourself and be really strict with it.
TAKE BREAKS - throughout the day to be fully present in the moment. This could be mindfully drinking a cup of tea for example or a simple body scan. The brain loves it when we’re present, it helps to reduce anxiety and strengthen your neurological pathways.
UNWIND - at the end of a busy day. Don’t look at a screen at least an hour before bed and do something relaxing instead (meditating, journaling, hot bath, listen to music, calming smells…) this will greatly improve your sleep.
HYDRATE – yourself regularly throughout the day. The brain needs water to function properly so first on your anxiety checklist ‘am I dehydrated?’
REDUCE – your intake of the news and social media. The news is inherently negative and can make you panic, which is not something you need right now. Social media can often make you compare your life to others, which never makes you feel good so be mindful of who you follow and how they make you feel.
BE KIND – to yourself every day. Practising self compassion is a wonderful way to nurture your mental health and right now being kind to yourself is so important. Lockdown is not normal so be proud of yourself for getting through the week and take things day by day.
TAPPING – is a powerful tool for overcoming negative thoughts. Use Emotional Freedom Technique every day to make sure you are regularly reframing the ‘Crappy Crew’ of voices that like to speak lies and fill you with self doubt.
GRATITUDE – is great for your mental health. With so many freedom’s taken away right now it’s important to focus on what you do have instead of what you don’t. Every morning after your meditation or breathwork write down three things that you’re grateful for.
For more support I have a FREE MEDITATION you can use just go to www.happyheads.me. Or for a private session, staff workshop or online course please do get in touch kim@happyheads.me.
Let this be the year that you prioritise your mental health.
Take Care
Kim xx
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