Do you sometimes feel like every hour of every day is planned out for you? Do you feel exhausted? At your wit’s end and no break in sight?

In a society where the expectation seems to be everything should be on demand, it’s important to prioritize time for self care. It is important for kids to make it to piano lessons and basketball games; however, it should not put you at risk of burnout.

It may be difficult to understand the differences between stress and burnout.

Stress vs. Burnout
Characterized by overengagement  vs. Characterized by disengagement
Emotions are overreactive  vs. Emotions are blunted
Produces urgency and hyperactivity  vs. Produces helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of Energy  vs. Loss of motivation, ideals and hope
Leads to anxiety disorders  vs. Leads to detachment and depression
Primary damage is physical  vs. Primary damage is emotional
May kill you prematurely  vs. May make life seem not worth living
Source: Helpguide.org

Some ideas to prevent burnout include:
Regular exercise We all know that exercise is good for us, that it helps us ward off certain health conditions and diseases, can improve our personal appearance, mood and boosts energy. Did you know, however, that according to the mayo clinic, the benefits of exercise also reach to the bedroom? It can increase sexual activity, promote better sleep and let’s not forget that it can be fun!
Be creative Let the creative juices flow. Get out and do something! An old hobby or try something new. Kids aren’t the only ones who need to get out and be stimulated by something other than the television.
Take a break Take a walk, call an old friend, grab a smoothie with a colleague. Get the break you need and maybe even cultivate relationships while you’re at it.
Boundaries Know how and when to draw that line.
Eating and Sleeping habits Check your fuel. What are you putting in the tank? There is nothing wrong with the celebratory dessert but that should not be two of your three meals and three of your four snacks a day.

As mentioned by helpguide.org, use the “Three R” approach:
Recognize– Be on the lookout for signs of burnout.
Reverse– Find ways to gain support and appropriately manage stress so as to “undo” the damage.
Resilience– Gain strength by caring for your physical and emotional health.

First things first: Slow Down! Also, don’t be afraid to look for support. Most of us can empathize with the feeling of burnout. Take a step back and reevaluate. What needs to change about your priorities in order for you to maintain physical and emotional wellness?

Remember the old adage: You can’t help others if you can’t helpe yourself. So take care of yourself by preventing burnout.