by Sarah Keast
According to a 2015 report by the Australian Psychological Association, 35% of Australians report having a significant level of distress in their lives.
While we may be familiar with the symptoms of burnout we’re often unaware of the alternative; a deeper, chronic fatigue that affects high-functioning adults. On the surface we look like we’ve got it together but under the surface we’ve lost our mojo, zing and overall joie de vivre.
Michael E Kibler, CEO of Corporate Balance Concepts, Inc., calls this brownout.
Kibler notes that high functioning individuals experiencing brownout exhibit the following signs:
- Feeling drained from continuous, 24/7 obligations.
- Physical deterioration due to years of sub-optimal sleep and self-care.
- Tenuous relationships with immediate family members.
- Distant relationships with old friends.
- The atrophy of personal interests.
- A diminishing ability to concentrate in non-urgent conversations.
Ways to prevent brownout include:
- Time Out – Scheduling a block of time just for you serves two purposes; something to look forward to, and the time out itself.
- Move – Physical activity helps to release tension and stress in the body
- Breathe – Practicing mindful breathing can increase serotonin levels in the body
Any yoga practice and mindfulness can help protect against brownout. Sarah Keast is offering a yoga for mental health class each Friday 6.30-7.30 pm. To book, contact Sarah on 0435 388 425. Transform clients receive their first class free. VIP members have reduced rates.