By Roxana Amaton
Burn out does not happen from one day to another, it is a slow progression that causes individuals to go into emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion.
While there is no diagnosis for this, it is real and it happens to everyone in all different job environments. When prolonged, you can eventually start to develop unhealthy stress, depression and anxiety. Hopelessness, cynicism and resentment are signs that something is not okay at your job. I was recently talking to a friend about it. I am in the helping field, and it seems to be a common experience amongst others who work in the same line.
Exhausting Environment
No matter the role, if it goes unnoticed it can start to affect the external environment in which we interact daily such as: family life, our relationships with co-workers, and our friendships. It is not pleasant to have to deal with the repercussions of burn out and can take you down into an unnecessary rabbit hole of experiences and emotions.
So, what to do when experiencing burn out? Something that can be helpful is to reflect upon those tasks that need to be prioritized and can get done.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries, but also being able to communicate your wants and needs to your supervisor. Coming up with a compromise about job duties is also essential. As a practicing Catholic in the helping field, I realize the importance of staying connected to others, especially other practicing Catholics in my profession. This can offer an opportunity to check in with others in your field to help bring awareness and insight. It can promote accountability and helpful support for one another. Seeking out counseling can also give you the skills you need to confront challenging situations.
Stay Active
Finding activities that promote relaxation, which will vary from person to person. Some ideas would include: going on a walk, contemplating nature, listening to relaxing music, or praying the rosary. Silence can also aid in decompressing. Sitting in front of the blessed sacrament while allowing Jesus to enter into the silence of your heart and tune you into what you are going through. Or, it could be cooking your favorite dish or drinking your favorite iced or hot coffee. Making space to enjoy those simple things in life can be alleviating.
For some, having physical activities can promote the release of unhealthy stress such as: cardio, hiking, running, or swimming.
Healthy Sleep
Sleep is restorative to the body, and is an important need that can help to reduce unneeded stress and anxiety. There are so many benefits of getting a regular sleep routine in place. Lately, I noticed the gift of practicing the virtue of eutrapelia to counteract life’s constant routine. It can be thought of as an invitation and also an intervention, to pause, have fun, and enjoy the wonderful things in life.
Roxana Amaton is currently working as a clinician in a mental health clinic in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a master's degree from Arizona State University in Counseling. She graduated from the first TLI cohort in 2018 and has remained an active alum, contributing to the blog and also as a speaker for the incoming cohorts. Passionate about advocating for the unborn and the respect and dignity of all persons, no matter what stage in life they are in.
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