Sleep – MindNation Blog

Busting The Top 5 Burnout Myths

Burnout is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced world. It’s often misunderstood and can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. Let’s delve into some common myths surrounding burnout and gain a clearer understanding of this issue.

Myth #1: Burnout means you are just tired.

Burnout is being over-tired, or more than tired. It encompasses emotional exhaustion, diminished interest in activities, and a decline in motivation. If left unresolved, burnout can leave us feeling depressed, cynical, and resentful. Also, the physical effects of burnout can cause long-term changes to our body that makes us vulnerable to illnesses.

Myth #2: Certain jobs are destined to cause burnout.

Burnout can affect individuals across various fields, from healthcare professionals to students and even those in personal relationships. No occupation or role is immune to the challenges posed by burnout.

Myth #3: Burnout means you are mentally weak and are unable to handle stress.

Burnout doesn’t reflect an individual’s weakness. In fact, it often impacts individuals who are dedicated and high-achieving, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to work and life.

No occupation or role is immune to the challenges posed by burnout.

Myth #4: More sleep, a vacation, practicing yoga, or taking a day off will cure your burnout.

While self-care practices like adequate sleep, vacations, and exercise are essential for overall well-being, they might not fully address the complexities of burnout. Deeper, sustained interventions are often necessary to manage and overcome burnout effectively.

Myth #5: If I am burnt out, I need to quit my job to get better.

While some extreme cases may warrant significant changes, in most instances, small adjustments and proactive measures can help alleviate burnout’s effects.

Understanding the realities of burnout is the first step toward managing and preventing its detrimental effects. If it all seems too much, MindNation mental health experts are available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Book a session now thru the MindNation app, available on Google Play and the App Store.

6 Secrets To A Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re tired of feeling tired, here are some simple tips to help you achieve better sleep

We all have trouble sleeping from time to time, but when restless nights persist, it can become a real problem. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep can have serious effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health, like increasing our propensity for obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, as well as making us tired, moody, and unable to concentrate on daily tasks. “Think of your body as a computer,” says Dr. Rhalf Jayson Guanco, a psychologist and faculty member of the psychology department of the Adventist University of the Philippines. “Walking around in a sleep-deprived state is like working on a computer with a fragmented hard drive. You are not getting all the performance from that computer that you could.”

Experts say adults need to sleep between seven to nine hours per stretch so that the body can repair and recharge itself for the next day. And when we are fully rested, we enjoy benefits such as improved memory and concentration, enhanced creativity, better decision-making skills, a more positive mood and mindset, and a healthier immune system.

If you have trouble settling down to sleep, Dr. Guanco shares some tips below that you can follow:

Maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule, even on the weekends. “Doing so maintains your body’s circadian rhythm (also known as our “inner clock”), which can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily,” says Dr. Guanco.
Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Don’t eat, do moderate to intense exercises, or drink alcohol or caffeine, or smoke three hours before bedtime since these arouse the senses instead of sending you into a relaxed state. “Also avoid doing activities that excite or stress you out, such as working, playing video games, or paying bills,” he adds.

Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool. Dr. Guanco advises using blackout curtains to cover your windows, and wearing eye shades or ear plugs.
Sleep on a firm, comfortable mattress. “The average lifespan for a good quality mattress is about 9 -10 years.,” he points out.

Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. “This strengthens the association between your bed and sleep. Take work materials, computers, and the television out of the bedroom,” he shares.
Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime). Even just short bouts of exercise can lead to improvements in total sleep time, sleep quality, and time spent falling asleep. Exercise may also help reduce the symptoms of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or sleep-related movement disorders. Just make sure to do it at least 3 hours before bedtime.

If you need help fine-tuning your sleep habits, our WellBeing Coaches are available for online sessions 24/7, all year round. Book your slot now at bit.ly/mn-chat or email [email protected].