How You Can Put Out the Flame on BURNOUT

Technology in and of itself is not evil, in fact, there is a lot to be gained from it. However, despite the fact that technological advancements help society as a whole become more and more efficient over time, the same advancements are not always as beneficial when considered at the level of the INDIVIDUAL.

In today’s society, many of us are considered to be "digital natives.” The term digital native describes the generation of people who grew up in the era of OMNIPRESENT technology, including both computers and the internet. For this group of individuals, WiFi, smart phones and wearable devices are as much a part of day-to-day life as running water, electricity and transportation. They are not only comfortable with technology and computers from a young age, but these countless forms of technology are considered to be essential goods and services that are both an integral and necessary part of their lives.

Digital natives THINK, LEARN and INTERPRET the world around them differently than people who have not been as subjected or exposed to modern technology. For them, technology and the internet seem to be the preferred method of learning, through the use of computers, and the go-to form of communication, via social media, various networking sites, texting platforms and streaming services. More often than not, digital natives have never been far from or gone for long periods of time without access to these widely-available forms of technology.

So, what is the result of living in such a constantly connected culture? BURNOUT.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and PROLONGED stress.Under the right circumstances, positive stress, or eustress, and adrenaline can lead to happier, healthier and even stronger lifestyles; however, chronic stress typically results in the development of more serious and negative side effects, including detachment, isolation, anxiety, fatigue and, yes, burnout.

The issue of burnout stems from the INABILITY to shut down and live in the present moment — where we physically are. As a result, we become DEPLETED of energy and less inclined to perform at our best. We function at a level where we are physically exhausted, mentally drained and in dire need of a break; one that we don’t get because of technology and the need to stay “on” and up-to-date with work, our social circles and society as a whole.

A lot of us have gone through periods of burnout or are in the thick of experiencing it right now. The KEY in managing it, however, is to RECOGNIZE when you are beginning to feel burnt out, BEFORE it progresses into something more harmful.

When did it become so mainstream and “cool” to be BUSY and EXHAUSTED?

WHAT DOES BURNOUT LOOK LIKE?

+ overwhelmed by responsibilities

+ exhausted most of the time

+ little joy or interest in your work

+ work quality is deteriorating

+ physical symptoms (i.e. chest pain)

+ feelings of hopelessness

+ less patience with others

Taking time for YOURSELF and resting when needed will NEVER be a blow to your productivity or value as a human being. As a matter of fact, I would argue the exact opposite: that it BOOSTS your productivity and enables you to recognize and appreciate your value even MORE.

IDEAS FOR RECOVERING FROM BURNOUT:

+ REFLECT on why you are feeling burnt out - are you taking on too much?

+ get back to the BASICS - take care of your physical health, move intuitively, prioritize nourishing your body, and get back on a consistent sleep schedule

+ be ASSERTIVE - say no more often & remember “no" is a complete sentence

+ RECONNECT with your inner child - do something spontaneous and fun like painting, biking, walking around barefoot, etc.

+ take a BREAK from SOCIAL MEDIA - not just a few hours, but maybe a few days or even a week

HOW TO DO A DIGITAL DETOX:

If you are looking to participate in a screen time social experiment, try tracking your screen time for an entire week and ask yourself the following questions:

+ how many hours per day do you spend on your devices?

+ if you were not on your screen, what might you do with your time instead?

+ do you imagine these activities would make you happier or healthier than screen time?

+ how has screen time and social media affected your relationships with family, friends, and lovers?

+ what are the lessons to be learned here?

Measuring your screen time in such a way and reflecting on the experience as a whole, forces you to reconsider what you take for granted about the way you live. At times it will be difficult, essentially because it is VASTLY different from the life you currently live and have grown accustomed to with time.

Similar to how cutting back on sugar, carbs, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any other substance your brain and body are habituated to leads to a feeling of withdrawal, the removal of technology will likely result in a sense of loss or disconnect. This absence of technology, however, almost without fail, will LIBERATE you to rediscover who you are at your core and experience life on a whole other level — one that is full of CLARITY, heightened AWARENESS, increased COMMUNICATION and strengthened RELATIONSHIPS, with others and yourself.

Xx, Leah Kutsch P.S. Keeping IIN Touch