As the holiday season sets in, not only should you be concerned with the cold season (here are some natural tips to prevent it) but burnout can get serious too. With shopping, holiday planning and heavier work loads, most symptoms associated with it pop up this time of year.
There are two levels of burnout:
- Mild: consisting of emotional exhaustion
- Full burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, social detachment and/or performance dissatisfaction
Since we are all about natural, holistic approaches to life, I was excited to come across a study on burnout and the effects a trip to the spa can have on preventing it.
Austrian researchers measured the benefits of a three-week program of spa therapy which included massage, exercise and therapeutic bathing. A group of 65 actively working individuals of various occupations were selected, all of which experience some level of work-related burnout.
The participants’ levels of fatigue, distress, reduced motivation and their quality of sleep were measured before and after their spa vacation.
At the end of the treatment, all of the burnout symptoms showed significant levels of improvement. And those improvements lasted for almost 3 months after the treatment.
While I know most of us do not have 3 weeks to indulge in a “spacation,” there are little things you can do to combat burnout:
- Massage. Whether you get yours by a professional or a loved one, regular massage is good for the body and the mind.
- Exercise. Regular release of endorphins helps fight exhaustion and frustration, especially during the holidays.
How do you fight burnout?
