{"id":1620,"date":"2021-06-01T23:03:54","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T13:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?p=1620"},"modified":"2023-09-09T22:48:18","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T12:48:18","slug":"preventing-burnout-guide-to-maintaining-energy-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/preventing-burnout-guide-to-maintaining-energy-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Burnout: A Vital Guide to Maintaining Energy Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Diana Arundell \u2013 University qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact of feeling \u2018burnt out\u2019 can impact enthusiasm for life and affect the quality of experiences\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling \u2018burnt out\u2019 is commonly experienced by many parents and especially with additional stressors of a pandemic added into the mix. Whether you\u2019re the \u2018stay at home\u2019 parent or heading out the door to work each day, or even a combination of the two\u2026 the juggling act of life as a parent can take its toll on our energy levels and health. As with health in general, prevention is better than cure and ultimately that means it\u2019s worthwhile putting in effort to stay well and prevent burn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burn out \u2013 sometimes referred to as \u2018adrenal exhaustion\u2019 is basically a result of ongoing stress resulting in physical, emotional and mental fatigue. It is natural to feel tired throughout a busy week and perhaps periodically, depending on the physical and internal demands placed on ourselves. As human beings we can\u2019t be expected to feel \u2018up and bouncing\u2019 every waking minute. Energy fluctuations are a natural part of life as much as sunrises, sunsets and seasonal changes are, however prolonged periods of fatigue can be detrimental to health and quality of life, and therefore warrant investigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself \u2013 if any other ordinary healthy person did what I did, would they feel fatigued? If the answer to that question is yes, then perhaps it comes down to needing to re-balance activities and lifestyle to include some down time. Your body may be legitimately tired and may simply need rest. Real rest. \u2018Normal tiredness\u2019 tends to resolve with relaxation and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many other common causes of fatigue such as low iron or vitamin B12; infection; thyroid function issues; blood sugar regulation issues; stress; poor sleeping habits; depression and anxiety; or insufficient dietary fuel to facilitate required energy expenditure. The use of stimulating foods such as sugar and caffeine can also result in feeling fatigued when the artificial energy runs out. Try 1 coffee per day maximum after breakfast and before midday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following is a simple dietary and lifestyle checklist. If you can answer \u2018yes\u2019 to these things and you\u2019re feeling persistently fatigued, then it\u2019s time to visit a health practitioner to investigate other potential underlying causes. If you answer \u2018no\u2019 to these things and you\u2019re feeling fatigued\u2026well\u2026you know what to do! Make changes to your diet and lifestyle so you can answer \u2018yes\u2019 to the checklist and observe how your energy levels respond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n