Can CBD help you avoid burnout?

‘Burnout’ may have become the latest millennial buzzword, but it’s not to be taken lightly – ignoring the signs can lead to serious mental and physical symptoms. 

A ‘Burnout’ is a severe stress condition that can lead to serious physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Although they’re not always easy to spot, they are brought on by continuous stressful situations, for example caring for ill family members, working long hours or receiving upsetting news.

The physical symptoms of a burnout include feeling drained, lowered immunity and a change in appetite or sleep habits. Paired with the sense of failure, loss of motivation and detachment and those suffering from burnouts can be hard to cure.

If left untreated, a burnout can lead to more serious conditions like depression, heart disease and diabetes. So how can we help a family, friend or ourselves avoid the worst-case scenario? 

Turning to others

Reaching out to those closest to you doesn’t make you a burden. Most friends and family will be on hand for you to confide in and help to resolve the issue. 

Although we have spent the past year in lockdown, being more sociable with those around you can be a great distraction and ease any worries that you’re alone or disconnected. Going for walks with friends or taking part in online group calls can help you to realise who is there for you.

Limiting your contact with negative people can help to lighten your mood as spending time with negative-minded people can drag down your mood and outlook – not helpful when dealing with stress.

Change your outlook on work

If your job feels like you’re under-appreciated or drowning in work, an effective way to combat job burnout is by speaking to your colleagues and management.

Speaking with your manager about the overload of assignments and the effects of your current situation, most executives will take this on board and help relieve you of the amount of work, offer a holiday or do what they can to make you feel happy in the workplace. We all need a break occasionally.

Finding a balance is also important. You need to be able to find the middle ground between work, hobbies, family and friends. These are great ways to distract you from workplace stress. 

If you feel work has lost its ‘spark’, consider looking for a new job. Life is too short to be unhappy at work and if the negative feelings can’t be adjusted by your manager, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. 

Technology detox

Although technology is a wonderful thing, we can often find ourselves scrolling for hours without realising the impact it has on our mental health. Excessive use can cause feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. 

Make sure you take frequent breaks from technology when you can. Putting the phone down and picking up a book or enjoying some fresh air can massively boost your mood. You may not realise how reading the negative news stories or feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) can impact you. And remember, social media often isn’t real life.

Medication and CBD products

It’s well-known that using CBD products can help reduce anxiety, pain and lift your mood. Particularly last year, anxiety and stress were highly reported due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where people resorted to CBD products to manage such stressors. 

The calming effects of Cannabidiol make an effective anxiety treatment, which is a big factor in burnouts. The product may assist you to relax and rest without feeling like you’re on the edge and from burning out while trying to be productive.