It can make it hard to care about anything and leave you feeling like you have nothing to give.
That’s called burnout, and it can lead to depression, anxiety, relationship damage, and inability to function at home, work, or wherever.
It is possible, however, to refill your cup and slowly add back some energy and joy to your life.
Carving out time for yourself is one place to start. Taking a little time for yourself is not a luxury; it’s essential to self-care. Slow down and give yourself the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. Schedule 10-15 minutes a couple of times per day if you have to, take a look at your week or month, and be selective about the things you say “yes” to.
You can also make a commitment to better physical health. A strong body can help balance stressful situations that may have caused burnout. Do some moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, dancing, cycling, etc., every day. This kind of movement releases chemicals that can regulate mood, sleep, and a number of other body systems.
A good diet can also help. Eating junk food loaded with sugar, salt, and saturated fat can contribute to chronic stress, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. On the other hand, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and unsaturated fat can help you feel better.
If timing is an issue, consider making a few one-pot meals per week and eating leftovers.
Making your space more comfortable can help, too. The Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) is the concept of cozy comfort to bring happiness and contentment.
Surrounding yourself with activities, people, and things that make you feel cozy, loved, happy, or content can help battle burnout. This could be as simple as taking time to drink a warm cup of tea in cozy slippers with a candle. Anything you find soothing and nourishing can help.