How to Avoid Feeling Burnt Out

Have you ever found yourself feeling tired even after 8 hours of sleep? I know I have, but after a recent discovery of these 7 types of rest that Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith recommends for avoiding feeling brunt out, I've never felt better. 

1. Physical Rest

This is the most obvious type of rest and something many of us are good at. A lack of sleep and overworking yourself depletes your energy. There are two types of physical rest you need: Passive and Active. 

 Passive:

1. Sleeping 8+ hours daily
2. Power naps 

Active: 

1. Stretching after waking up and in between long periods of sitting/stillness
2. massages- professionally or from a friend
3.  utilizing an ergonomic chair/desk

2. Mental Rest 

1. Make a to-do list.
2. Make reference checklists (groceries, packing, etc.)
3. Create a divide between work and personal life.
4. Give yourself a mental break from problem-solving.
5. Meditate.

3. Social Rest

1. Spend more time with people who give you energy.
2. Spend less time with people who drain your energy. 
3. If you like your alone time/consider yourself an introvert, aliquot time in your schedule for "Me Time". 

4. Spiritual Rest

Participate in something that you consider bigger than yourself. Feeling like you're part of a community that’s reaching for a higher cause can give you fulfillment like nothing else can! Here are some ways to achieve that:

1. Volunteer for a cause you resonate with.
2. Work a purpose-driven job so you feel your work contributes something.
3. Participate in faith-based activities (if you align yourself with them).

5. Sensory Rest

1. Take a social media break.
2. Silence your notifications on your devices (blocking off visual and audio alerts).
3. Create a relaxing day/evening for yourself by using soothing music, candles, and dim lighting. Try picking up a book and limit your screen time.  

6. Emotional Rest

Oftentimes, our jobs require us to be overly joyful and prevent us from expressing our true emotions. For example, a customer service representative always being required to smile and be polite despite rude customers. Here are some ways to give yourself emotional rest:

1. Identify the people you can be your authentic self around and spend more time with them.
2. Seek out a professional to talk about your problems and receive guidance.

7. Creative Rest

Appreciating beauty and nature can bring back a peaceful and awe-inspiring feeling in individuals that often gives us a zile for life. Try some of these tips to receive for natural and artificial creative rest:

Natural:

1.  Watch a sunrise/sunset.
2.  Go for scenic walks. 

Artificial: 

1. Visit a museum.
2. Try picking up inspiring music, books, documentaries, etc.

Take care of yourself guys! Please try some of these tips to revive your spirit and keep you going!