Are you burnt out?

Has life been hitting different lately? If you're feeling like you’re constantly running on empty, you might be experiencing burnout. And no, it's not just about being a bit tired after a big week – burnout is a real condition that deserves proper attention. Discover how to spot the signs and adopt healthy ways to get back on track.

What exactly is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Think of it as your body and mind's way of waving a white flag after being pushed too hard for too long.

What burnout symptoms can look like

While everyone experiences burnout differently, there are some common red flags to watch for. You might be dealing with burnout if you're experiencing:

• Persistent tension and irritability (yes, even your favourite people might be getting on your nerves).
• Mental fog and difficulty concentrating.
• Constant fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.
• Feeling emotionally drained or overwhelmed.
• Loss of motivation or interest in activities you usually enjoy.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or changes in sleep patterns.

Understanding burnout vs depression is important here – while they can overlap, burnout is typically linked to specific stressors (like work or life circumstances), whereas depression is more pervasive and affects multiple areas of life.

How to manage your overall health

The best way to tackle burnout and mental exhaustion is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some solid stress management techniques to keep you feeling balanced:

Prioritise sleep

Your body repairs itself during sleep, so aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night. If you're struggling with sleep, our guide on practicing mindfulness for stressful situations has some helpful techniques to get your forty winks. And, if you need a bit of extra help nodding off, we’ve researched sleep vitamins that actually work, so you don’t have to.

Move your body regularly

Let’s be honest, we were always going to weave this one in! Exercise is one of the most effective stress relievers out there. Whether it's a gym session, a swim, or a walk around the block, movement every day for a minimum of 30 minutes helps release tension and boosts those feel-good endorphins.

Set boundaries

Learning to say no is crucial. You don't have to be available 24/7 or take on every request that comes your way. While our article on how to set boundaries these holidays is centred around the silly season, it still has handy advice you can adopt to your entire year.

Stay connected

Maintain relationships with people who energise you rather than drain you. Any one of Virgin Active’s classes can be a great way to surround yourself with like-minded people (yay to new friends!).

Or, in the words of the magnificent André de Shields, “surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming”.

How to recover from burnout when you're already there

Take proper breaks

This isn't just about having a lazy weekend in bed. Consider taking some time off work or reducing your commitments where possible.

Reconnect with what matters

Spend time with your favourite people, engage in activities that bring you joy, or simply sit in nature for a bit.

Declutter your space

A tidy home or desk can help create mental clarity. Sometimes a good clean-out is exactly what your overwhelmed mind needs.

Try gentle movement

If you're experiencing mental or physical fatigue, gentle exercise can help. But be careful not to fall into exercise burnout – listen to your body and don't push too hard.

Explore proven stress relievers

Our guide to 8 stress relievers to balance your mind offers practical techniques you can implement straight away.

Take a break and put your mind at ease

Remember, everyone deals with stress and burnout differently, so these are purely suggestions and should not be considered substantiated psychological advice. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalised support.

Ready to recharge? We've got you covered

Our rest and recovery amenities are designed to help you unwind and recharge.

Whether it's a relaxing session in our spa, some quiet time in the sauna, gentle laps in our pool, or stretching it out in our dedicated stretching zones, we've got everything you need to press pause and prioritise your wellbeing.

Because sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.