There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and that’s not taking into consideration your personal struggles. It’s totally understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed! If you’re struggling a little bit, feel like everything is just too much, and you’re starting to hit the burnout phase, then it may be time to re-evaluate some things.
Since you can’t control many of the factors that are weighing you down, you may be wondering “What can I do?”
Unplug. No, Really.
If you’re having a hard time and are feeling the pressure from outside sources, it’s time to put down the devices! You may feel a sense of guilt for trying to distance yourself from the digital world, but it’s important to remember that you come first. Texts, calls, and emails aside, social media apps alone can have a big impact on your mental health. Taking some time away can really help you center yourself and make it easier to differentiate between “staying informed and connected” and “doom scrolling”.
Take a Vacation
When putting the phone down for a few hours just isn’t enough, or if your personal and professional life makes it difficult to put it down at all, it may be time to consider going off the grid entirely! Consider taking a mental health getaway. This can be as simple as marking yourself OOO for a few days and spending uninterrupted time at home, or it can even look like booking that remote vacation cabin and actually going somewhere that your social media, calls, and emails can’t follow!
Move Your Body
Exercise and joyful movement have been shown to not only have amazing physical benefits, but also great mental ones! Whatever your ability or time frame, there’s always something you can do to move your body and take a break from the mental strain. Whether it's stretching at your desk, jogging in the park, a guided exercise class, or a full gym routine, getting your body moving will help refresh your fatigued mind.
Find a Therapist
We may sound like a broken record, but we really can’t stress the benefit of therapy enough! A trained mental health professional will be able to provide you with tools that fit your specific needs. You’ll not only be able to work through your personal struggles in a safe, impartial environment; you’ll also learn how to cope and deescalate moments of mental health crisis.
Don’t Bottle It Up.
Regardless of whether you connect with a professional, it’s important that you don’t isolate yourself and stifle your struggles. Find a trusted friend or family member to confide in; talking out your concerns can go a long way to helping release the pressure!
If you’re worried about burdening them or are searching for a community that might just understand what you’re going through, you’re not alone. Join the Punk Rock Saves Lives Peer Mental Health Support Group on Facebook, and find the “home” you’ve been looking for amongst friends!