Burnout and chronic fatigue are a huge problem. Unfortunately it is poorly diagnose and rarely caught in the early stages when it's easiest to treat. Trust me; it reveals itself in subtle ways long before it flattens you.
Early signs can include:
-Persistent fatigue that you can't seem to shake off.
-Digestive upset. Such as poor appetite, constipation, loose stools, and acid reflux.
-Dizziness. Not necessarily constant but immediate fleeting sensations.
-Blurry vision, almost as if you're looking through a mist.
-Diminished desire to socialize
-Being overly cynical
-Mood swings
-Depression
-Muscle aches that seem to have no apparent cause.
-A feeling of jet lag and you weren't recently on a jet!!
-Catching colds more frequently.
Some of these symptoms can be indicators of other health issues. Discuss them with your doctor but remain proactive as this condition is poorly understood and treatment options are not particularly effective with western medicine.
Here are some suggestions to get back on track if chronic fatigue or burnout is suspected:
- SLEEP!! You will need to significantly increase your sleep time. At least 8 hours if not more, and premidnight hours are your most valuable. Get to bed early.
- If you exercise, ease up on the intensity, at least until you feel more rested. Stay active, but don't push your body too hard. Exercise is a form of stress that is beneficial in many ways, but when you are very fatigued it can exacerbate your symptoms.
- People you share your life with need to know how you're feeling. Pretending or denying the presence of this condition will not allow you to do what's necessary to break the cycle of fatigue. You may have to hang up your cape for a while and let someone else be the hero for a while. Once your loved ones know how you feel, they can help you to recover.
- Don't forget you have needs too. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of others. A young lady I had the pleasure of meeting said," it's like the procedure on the airplane, you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first and then help the people who depend on you. If you pass out from lack of oxygen, you'll be of no use to those who need your help."
You can beat this condition but it requires that you start taking care of your needs.
Early signs can include:
-Persistent fatigue that you can't seem to shake off.
-Digestive upset. Such as poor appetite, constipation, loose stools, and acid reflux.
-Dizziness. Not necessarily constant but immediate fleeting sensations.
-Blurry vision, almost as if you're looking through a mist.
-Diminished desire to socialize
-Being overly cynical
-Mood swings
-Depression
-Muscle aches that seem to have no apparent cause.
-A feeling of jet lag and you weren't recently on a jet!!
-Catching colds more frequently.
Some of these symptoms can be indicators of other health issues. Discuss them with your doctor but remain proactive as this condition is poorly understood and treatment options are not particularly effective with western medicine.
Here are some suggestions to get back on track if chronic fatigue or burnout is suspected:
- SLEEP!! You will need to significantly increase your sleep time. At least 8 hours if not more, and premidnight hours are your most valuable. Get to bed early.
- If you exercise, ease up on the intensity, at least until you feel more rested. Stay active, but don't push your body too hard. Exercise is a form of stress that is beneficial in many ways, but when you are very fatigued it can exacerbate your symptoms.
- People you share your life with need to know how you're feeling. Pretending or denying the presence of this condition will not allow you to do what's necessary to break the cycle of fatigue. You may have to hang up your cape for a while and let someone else be the hero for a while. Once your loved ones know how you feel, they can help you to recover.
- Don't forget you have needs too. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of others. A young lady I had the pleasure of meeting said," it's like the procedure on the airplane, you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first and then help the people who depend on you. If you pass out from lack of oxygen, you'll be of no use to those who need your help."
You can beat this condition but it requires that you start taking care of your needs.
