In this episode, Nicole and Marina discuss burnout—what it is, how it happens, and why it seems to be affecting some generations more than others. We think that millennials could be called Generation Burnout. Here’s a deeper look into why, and what we can do about it.
So, first things first: What is Burnout?
From HelpGuide.org: “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.”
It feels like twenty-somethings are a whole generation of people feeling burnt out. We looked at why that might be and came up with this list of burnout factors.
Signs twenty-somethings are experiencing burnout:
- Prolonged stress in every aspect of life.
- Overstimulation from screens.
- Imposter syndrome from social media and constant comparison.
- Cost of living and wages did not grow at the same rate.
- College debt.
- Debt in general.
- Lack of boundaries.
- Hustle culture.
This list of EIGHT factors seems daunting to try to overcome. But the good news, is that there are small, actionable steps we can all take in our day-to-day life to help combat the feeling of constant burnout and prevent ourselves from self-destruction.
What we can do about burnout:
1. Take breaks, REAL BREAKS.
Marina’s example from the podcast: “I realized that when I got home from work I’d be “relaxing” on my couch by watching tv and working on my laptop.”
2. Set boundaries in all aspects of our lives.
For a generation who has been told to say YES to everything to get ahead, learning to say NO is very important!
3. Move your body with gentle exercise.
Moving your body helps with blood circulation and flow which are important for our overall health. It also helps to reduce stress and leads to less burnout over time.
4. Turn off your screens.
We’re all a little attached to our devices, wouldn’t you say? These devices can be a source of external pressure and the need to seek validation from others. Make sure you’re detaching from your screen sometimes.
5. Schedule downtime for yourself every day so you don’t miss it or put it off for “later.”
“Spending time with myself” should be on your calendar every single day.
6. Focus on progress not perfection.
None of us are perfect! And perfect isn’t a thing we can actually be. So why do we chase it? Focus on the progress you’ve made in your life and be proud of it! Most of life is the journey, not the destination, anyway.
What do you do to help prevent from burning out? Let us know in the comments below!
Continue reading about burnout from the writers at GenTwenty:
- How To React to Signs of Burnout
- 5 Signs You Are Experiencing Burnout
- 4 Tips For Protecting Yourself To Avoid Burnout
- How To Beat Burnout
About the Author
With a B.A. in French and an MFA in Creative Writing, Marina is a Writing Coach and copywriter helping creatives bring their ideas to the page. In her free time, you'll find her reading, cooking, traveling, or binge-watching sitcoms on Netflix.
Website: www.marinacrousewrites.com