top 5 tips for avoiding burn-out
I don’t have time to be sick. No one does. However, our bodies know when we need to slow down and what will do the trick. For some, their emotions take over and stop them in their tracks. For me, it seems the only way that I stop is physical illness. If you think man-flu is bad, you should see me when I am run down. It’s truly pathetic. I don’t love pathetic, so I try to stay well and give my body all the tools it needs to perform at optimal level. I want to show up as my best self for those around me. Here are 5 things I do to avoid burn-out:
1. Daily Self Care. This is unique to each person, but the point is that you are doing something that fills you up, rather than drains you. It is important that is it restful to you. I personally choose a daily epsom salt bath with essential oils or a sauna session. It could be 10 mins of yoga, a nature walk or curling up with a good book. I avoid the burn out and the break down when I am disciplined with a little self care every day.
2. Nourishment. It’s really hard to perform at an optimal level in life if you aren’t fueled with nourishing fuel. Often in the hustle, the temptation is to just shove something easy into your mouth, and easy is often not healthy. It takes time and planning to tackle this - but the reward is huge. I get a daily dopamine hit when I give my body good fuel. I’ll post about snacks that are uber healthy, tasty and fast later. Because we don’t get enough essential nutrients in our diet, I also supplement with dōTERRA’s Life Long Vitality. I have can perform mentally and physically at a higher level when I am faithful to take my supplements.
3. Hydrate. Your body is 60% water and water is vital for so many of your organs to function optimally— You know, important organs like your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, etc. I hydrate before I drink anything else. I love coffee, but I make myself drink water first, then coffee is my reward. I also drink a full 32 oz bottle every time I sit in the sauna. (It’s ideal to link new habits to existing habits— more on that later!). I totally think the water bottle you have matters too. This is my favorite brand, and it’s super affordable.
4. Move your body. We weren’t created to sit for hours on end. Our bodies don’t thrive when we move from the bed to the car to the cubicle to the car and to the couch. Think about how much you sit everyday. Moving your body is key for emotional and physical well-being. Don’t be overwhelmed by this thought. Start with walking - a daily walk has many health benefits, it’s free, and you can do it anywhere. Check out all the benefits of walking here. I always recommend moving your body in a way that you love…or at least like. If you are interested in yoga, take a class. If you love weights, do that. The best exercise is the one you are committed to showing up for.
5. Sleep! If sleep eludes you, it is likely that everything else suffers. A good night sleep can change everything, and so can a bad night of sleep. Most of my readers don’t sleep enough, have pour sleep hygiene and therefore suffer in many other ways. When we sleep our immune system is working hard, our body is rebuilding and healing, or digestion is resting and our brain is rebooting. It’s honestly like a battery - we are drained at the end of the day and sleep helps us power back up. If you aren’t sleeping well, your batteries are never fully charged. Practice going to bed every night at the same time and waking at the same time. Don’t look at a device or screen for at least 1 hour before bed. Will have a post coming soon on my tried and true oil routine for sleep!