Burnout is everywhere, it’s becoming more of a reality for many of us. According to ‘The Burnout Report’ published by Mental Health UK, 9 in 10 people have experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the last year. That’s almost all of us! We are stretched thin and running on empty. However, it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Burnout is described as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. This can be caused by stress due to a high workload or keeping on top of a busy personal life. The emotional and psychological impact can be overwhelming. It can cause a person to feel a lack of motivation and feeling emotionally drained. This can consequently increase the risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia.
World Mental Health Day is once again upon us and it’s a great reminder to stop and acknowledge how we’re really feeling. When juggling a busy schedule, burnout can affect both our emotional and psychological wellbeing. One of the most effective ways to manage and support this is through physical activity. Movement isn’t just good for our bodies it’s great for our mind as well. Regular physical activity helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as boost our mood and energy levels.
The Role of Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of supporting mental wellbeing. When we are struggling with burnout, everything feels too much. You are tired, irritable and even small tasks feel impossible. Physical activity is likely the last thing we want to do. However, its usually exactly what we need.
Getting our bodies moving helps release endorphins which lift our mood and reduces cortisol, which decreases our stress levels. It provides and sense of control whilst also boosting our energy and improves sleep.
However, aside from all of that it provides us with a safe space to reset, breathe and have time to yourself. Whether you go on a walk to clear your mind, take part in a yoga session to release some tension or join a team sport to feel part of a community, every bit of movement brings you one step closer to supporting your mind.
Move for Your Mind
Burnout doesn’t just drain our energy it can make us feel disconnected from ourselves and others. It’s not just tiredness, it’s a deeper sense of depletion that affects how we think, feel, and function day to day. When we’re in that space, it’s easy to feel stuck and uncertain on how to manage daily life.
This World Mental Health Day, Active Essex feel it’s important to recognise that managing burnout doesn’t always mean you have to make big changes, you can start with small steps. Which is exactly what ‘Active Essex’s ‘Find Your Active: Move for Your Mind’ campaign is all about.
Whether it’s a short walk, a stretch between meetings, or joining a local club, this campaign encourages us to find movement that works best for you. Ultimately, it’s about feeling better in ourselves, mentally and emotionally, particularly during times of high stress or burnout. Finding movement that feels achievable can be so positive and help you reconnect with yourself and others.
Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s move towards better mental health together. Enjoy a walk, a stretch, or something new, find what works for you and take that first step with us.
