2020 hasn’t been easy for any of us. We’re confined to the walls of our room, working from home, not getting enough socialization, fresh air or sunlight. However, right now, this is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Although, constant and consistent isolation does us no favors, and has led to a mass burnout in the general population, we can have hope that once things resume back to normal, travel could provide relief from the stress, anxieties and fatigue that we are all under at the moment. Although vacationing won’t cure burnout permanently, it could still put your mind at ease, and it might just be the one thing to get you out of the rut. So, stay safe, act responsibly and practice patience. Good things are yet to come.
What exactly is Burnout?
Burnout is defined by the World Health Organization as a “syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. It is a notion that most of us are familiar with, and is characterised by some key factors, including feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from the job, negativism and cynicism related to the job or reduced professional efficiency. It is clear that burnout does not just affect the work ethic of individuals but also has organisational level impacts.
Irrespective of what measures can be taken to reduce burnout, it can never be eliminated but holidays and vacations seem to be a popular method of relaxing and letting go of the pressure and stress that the everyday work life has put on your shoulders. Getting out of town, breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of no work load on your table, and having the privilege of not checking your phone for emails every half an hour is as good a deal as they come. Here’s how to get the energy boost you’ve been looking for:
Finding the Right Destination:
The easiest way to take a break from the busy work life is to get far away from the city as possible. Go where the concrete jungle seems like a faraway land. To find a cure for the “Civilization’s Disease”, you must be where the nature speaks to you more than the humans do. So, take all the leaves you have left from work and plan a holiday where you could enjoy the simpler things in life again. Whether it’s the wildlife, the cool breeze of the hill country or the azure waters that would give you the ultimate break from work, take the chance because it will be worth it. If you choose Sri Lanka for your travel plans, you will have great options such as a safari ride in a national park such as Yala or Wilpattu, surfing in Arugambay, hiking at Horton Plains or camping out at Knuckles.
Mindfulness is Essential:
If you are going on a retreat to replete the energy that was depleted during your 9– 5 job, try not to engage in activities that would leave you physically exhausted. You are on a mission to collect good energy, and this has to last until you get the opportunity to take another holiday. While a holiday won’t completely get rid of the burnout, it will make you feel better and more energized and give you that much needed break. Engaging in activities like yoga, meditation, spa, and muscle therapy would work wonders for all the stress that has been built up in you. Try to make a habit of continuing these activities even after you get back to your daily routine so that the burnout won’t completely burn you out. Join a yoga and safari camp in the south of Sri Lanka to maximize your mindfulness, or visit the cultural triangle to be at one with the timelessness of ancient history.
Get off the Grid:
After an entire year of zoom calls, emails, virtual conferences and working from home, just switching your phone off seems like too big of a task. However, if you are out exploring, it is important that you commit to it completely, as it would do you wonders to go off the grid. Refrain from checking on your work, don’t respond to texts and stay off Netflix. Less screen time and more green time. You deserve it and you earned it. Besides, when you are surrounded by the splendid nature of Sri Lanka, why would you need to check your phone anyway? Embrace the true beauty of nature and don’t take your holiday for granted.
Deep Sleep:
When was the last time you slept the entire night through, and didn’t wake up to the tedious sound of the alarm blasting in your ear? With all the curveballs 2020 has thrown at you, the sleep schedules have become crazier than ever, and it goes without saying that it promotes an unhealthy lifestyle that could lead to serious illnesses and yes, burnout. Sleep is one of life’s best medicines that has become a guilty pleasure because we live in a world where everyone runs on coffee and late nights. Deadlines, work pressure, household duties and family responsibilities can make you take sleep for granted. So if you plan to diminish the symptoms of burnout syndrome, make sure you sleep as much as you can. Even after you get back from the retreat, make it a point to adhere to a sleep schedule, and refrain from caffeine. We suggest taking a couple of days to relax by the beach, since sea waves are known to induce sleepiness and reduce anxieties. No more listening to sea sounds playlists. Experience it yourself once it is safe to do so.
Until it is possible to travel safely, take it easy. Going through a pandemic is hard enough, and you shouldn’t punish yourself for it. Eat the food you love, take afternoon naps, limit alcohol and caffeine, and try to do home workouts. It’s important to spend time with your loved ones, but it is also just as crucial that you take some time out of the day to practice self love, whether it be through the comfort of reading, picking up a new hobby, listening to music or cooking. Do what you must to reduce burnout. Nothing is worth sacrificing your health over.
Photos sourced from Chris Blackhead and Weldon Kennedy
