I've experienced burnout a number of times in personal and professional contexts and I think nearing 30, I've got a pretty good handle on myself finally.
1. You can ALWAYS and should ALWAYS talk to SOMEONE. My advice is find a great therapist. If you can't afford one, you need to find a friend, confidant, or family member that's away from the action. Talk through things and see if you can wrap your head around what's bothering you.
2. Exercise. Seriously. Exercise helps sleeps, weight loss, anxiety, depression, add--it's a pretty awesome medication. Read "Spark" by John Ratey.
3. Sleep. The times in my life I've felt most burnt out corresponded with awful sleeping patterns. (also see 2)
4. Reflect. After trying to talk through things and getting your body back on track think about your work. Are you happy doing what you're doing? Do you want to do something else? (some might recommend doing this first--I wouldn't; only because in my judgment I've made decisions I regretted because I felt like I wasn't in the right place--not because I really didn't like the opportunity)
This is obviously a reader's digest version, but it took me probably 5 or 6 iterations before I could identify, prevent (or treat) my burnout.
I had a particularly rough Friday last week and so I decided to skip coming home in favor of a long bike ride.
I was fully expecting to go home, mope around, and fall asleep. Instead I came home - clear headed - and had a great weekend.
--
I'd also recommend biking as a great form of exercise.
Personally I don't like the gym, memberships can get kind of pricy, and for some reason I always feel uncomfortable at a gym.
Biking however gives you access to tons of free trails, it's great for your cardiovascular system (you won't get ripped biking, but you will feel fantastic.)
Plus being out on a scenic trail does wonders for your mental health.
Reflect, but do not ruminate. Rumination (going endlessly in circles in your mind in a bad-thoughts-feedback-loop) goes with depression / mood disorders. To help with reflection, write down what weighs on your mind and analyze it.
Also, try to write about how everything would be if it went perfectly well. This way, you have something more positive to look at than your and other's(perceived) failures and shortcomings.
I've experienced burnout a number of times in personal and professional contexts and I think nearing 30, I've got a pretty good handle on myself finally.
1. You can ALWAYS and should ALWAYS talk to SOMEONE. My advice is find a great therapist. If you can't afford one, you need to find a friend, confidant, or family member that's away from the action. Talk through things and see if you can wrap your head around what's bothering you.
2. Exercise. Seriously. Exercise helps sleeps, weight loss, anxiety, depression, add--it's a pretty awesome medication. Read "Spark" by John Ratey.
3. Sleep. The times in my life I've felt most burnt out corresponded with awful sleeping patterns. (also see 2)
4. Reflect. After trying to talk through things and getting your body back on track think about your work. Are you happy doing what you're doing? Do you want to do something else? (some might recommend doing this first--I wouldn't; only because in my judgment I've made decisions I regretted because I felt like I wasn't in the right place--not because I really didn't like the opportunity)
This is obviously a reader's digest version, but it took me probably 5 or 6 iterations before I could identify, prevent (or treat) my burnout.