“Everyone
responds
differently to alcohol,
but it’s recommended that
daily consumption shouldn’t
exceed two standard drinks,” says
Natasha.
“Choose non-alcoholic drinks such as
mocktails or talk to a counsellor about
alternative methods of coping such as
meditation or gentle exercise.”Relationships
Burnout goes hand in
hand with irritability
and avoidance, so
relationships can
become too hard.
Stress becomes
your focus and it’s
so hard to avoid.
“Communication is
key,” advises couples
therapist Isiah McKimmie.
“Verbalise your mental and
emotional struggles to your partner
and let them know your needs so they
can be sensitive to them.
“It may be helpful to have a smallsignal, such as a candle or lamp, to let
your partner know when you’re open
to intimacy or closeness and a signal
that lets them know you need space
or alone time.”
Isiah notes that loving physical touch,
even just a hug, helps us release
feel-good hormones that increase
relaxation, and enhance mood and
connectivity. One cuddle a day is a good
place to start and going to bed at the
same time can also help you bond as
you end the day together.
“Do things with your partner
that are fun,” says Isiah.
“Playfulness and novelty are
important to relationship
happiness and longevity.”
A shared experience
or activity that pushes
you both out of your
comfort zone can be a
good way to reconnect
and support each other in a
different environment.
Similarly, practicing mindfulness
can help you both stop and think about
your reactions, meaning the difference
between a positive and negative
conversation.Strategies to
avoid burnout
»^ Don’t respond to anything
work-related (calls or emails)
past a certain time every night.
»^ Set time limits for scrolling
through social media.
»^ Make time to do something
you enjoy in your downtime,
whether it’s reading a book,
cooking, playing with your kids
or taking your dog to the beach.
»^ Ensure you’re getting enough
sleep. Seven to nine hours is how
much the adult body needs on
a regular basis.
»^ Practice the art of saying no.When to
seek help
»^ “If you’re starting to feel any
early symptoms of exhaustion,
you’re pushing yourself too
hard and need to practice some
self-care,” advises Rachel.
»^ She notes that symptoms
may include fatigue, irritability,
anxiety, insomnia, or a change
in appetite.
»^ “It all comes down to stress
awareness. Avoiding burnout
means listening to your body’s
physical and mental signals and
taking a step back where
you can.”practicing mindful eating. Sit down to
eat without the TV on, enjoy your meal
and stop eating when you’re full.Drinking
That extra glass of wine may
temporarily numb your burnout, but
it won’t put out the flame. Alcohol
contains no beneficial vitamins and
minerals and mixers are often high in
sugar. Plus, how much more tempting
are chips and dips after a drink
or two?‘Verbalise
your mental
and emotional
struggles to
your partner
so they can be
sensitive to
these’PHOTOGRAPHY
GETTY IMAGES
be informed
be nourished
simply be
be energised
be inspired