Feeling drained and exhausted? You’re not alone. The past several months have been some of the most trying in recent memory, with the widespread hardships of the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s not at all inaccurate to say that everyone is currently a bit on edge. Our nerves are frayed, our focus shot. We’re doing our best to put one foot in front of the other, to put on a brave face, but we can’t help but wonder when – or even if – this will all finally end.
To make matters worse, our productivity-obsessed culture means many of us are currently trapped in a burnout spiral. We’re stressed because we can’t work, so we try to force it, which only makes us more stressed and more exhausted. It’s a continual downhill slope, one from which it seems like there’s no escape.
The first and most important advice I’ll give you is to stop. Take a step back and let yourself breathe. Don’t beat yourself up for being less productive than usual, and try to understand that with the way things are going, the traditional workplace and the traditional nine to five schedule are no longer relevant.
That applies to leadership as much as it does anyone else. If you’re in a position of authority, you have a responsibility to take care of yourself and set a positive example for your employees. More importantly, you have a responsibility to ensure that both they and you are doing what’s necessary to maintain a healthy mind and body.
That may include, among other things:
- Scheduling regular check-ins with friends, colleagues, and family.
- Taking time out of each day to go outside, exercise, and move around.
- Focusing on eating healthy and getting a full night’s sleep every day.
- Taking regular breaks from work and ensuring a positive work-life balance.
- Being willing to reach out and ask for help if there’s a problem with meeting a particular deadline.
Last but certainly not least, if relaxation, meditation, and exercise still don’t seem to be doing much to help, it’s worth your time to speak to a therapist. A trained professional who can help you work through your struggles, and diagnose if there’s something deeper beneath the anxiety and exhaustion. There’s no shame in this, especially given how stressful the world has become.
These days, it’s accurate to say that nearly everyone’s running a bit ragged. It’s important that you recognize that – that you understand the impact current events are having on both your physical and mental well being. That, in light of that impact, you’re kinder to yourself and those around you.
At the end of the day, we’re all in this together – and we’ll all get through this together.
Like this article? Check out more great content from Brad and his team at BlueCotton by clicking here.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
