Stress. You feel it creeping in the back of your neck. It seems you can’t escape from it, and so do 80% of workers in America. I’d say it’s fair to say that almost everyone out there has felt the effects of burnout at least once in the past few months.
You know what I’m talking about. Burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. This is not your normal tiredness after working long hours. This is your months-worth snowball of ignored symptoms of fatigue that exploded.
People try all sorts of things to prevent burnouts, but can yoga be the key to keeping it at bay? We investigate.
The Road to Burnout
In many cases, the road to burnout goes undetected. We’re expected to feel stressed in our jobs, relationships, and, quite frankly, in our lives. It isn’t unusual to meet people that root for stress as the fuel to help us reach our goals.
However, at one point, all that stress and all the pushing can lead you to burnout. If you notice that:
- Every day is a bad day.
- Caring for your work or home feels like a waste of time.
- You’re seriously exhausted all the time.
- Most of the day, you feel overwhelmed.
- You’re feeling under-appreciated.
Then, buckle up because you’re on the road to burnout. It might be time to press the yoga emergency button before it’s too late.
How Yoga Comes Into Play
After you’ve analyzed where your burnout is coming from – your work, your lifestyle, or your personality – then you must take action to stop it and prevent it. Fighting the burnout monster is all about a complete approach to self-care, and that includes taking time to care for all of you: mind, body, and soul.
One of the first ways to prevent burnout is by including relaxing activities and exercise into your daily routine. Guess what, yoga fits those two buckets.
In a recent study, researchers looked at the effects of yoga in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal and psychological issues, primarily burnout symptoms. According to the study, yoga was proven effective in physical improvement problems, quality of sleep, and reduced both stress levels and burnout in those who practice yoga and mind-body meditation.
Yoga for Burnout
If the effects of burnout are bringing you down, this easy, do-anywhere yoga sequence can help you fight back. Try to incorporate this routine into your daily life to make sure you keep burnout at bay.
The GR8 Yoga for Burnout Routine:
- Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana).
- Take 3-5 breaths on each side.
- Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana).
- Stay for at least 5 breaths.
- Easy Forward Fold (Uttanasana).
- Take 5-8 breaths.
- Cat (Marjaryasana)/Cow (Bitilasana).
- Repeat for 3-5 rounds.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana).
- Stay for 5-10 breaths.
Remember, if you decide to practice this yoga session, make sure to listen to your body. If, at any point, something feels odd, stop immediately. If you have any chronic conditions or lesions, please consult with your healthcare provider before attempting any stretches.
When everything seems to be spiraling out of control, a mindful yoga practice can help us keep our stress levels managed. If you’re feeling disoriented and anxious, try combining breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga poses designed to help you stay calm and improve mental focus. If you’re looking for inspiration, hit play on these yoga videos to help you stay calm.
Yoga Break by Practice with Kris
A short 10-12 minutes yoga session to help you reset your mind and body. Use this video to help you set your intention for seated meditation practice. Consider incorporating this short yoga session during your lunch break to stay focused at work, primarily if you work from home.
Yoga for a Calm and Focused Mind by Chakrapod
Try this balancing 30-minute yoga session that incorporates balancing poses and hip-openers. Perfect for anyone that’s feeling anxious, these restorative poses will bring awareness into your body and mind, as well as releasing any tension you might feel on your hips, legs, and lower back.
Yoga to Calm the Body and Mind by Ekhart Yoga
This yoga video takes you through a short mediation, combined with a few yoga poses designed to settle the body and mind. Use this practice to remain centered and calm whenever your mind keeps wandering off. You’ll be practicing some twisting poses and restorative poses like legs up the wall to help stimulate your immune system.
Yoga for Concentration and Mental Focus by Yoga with Adriene
Try this yoga sequence to bring positivism into your life and regain balance. Rejuvenate your body with a 25-minutes yoga practice helps you stay centered and focused. Work hard on your body to keep your mental health balanced.
30 Minute Yoga to De-Stress by Yoga by Candace
If your stress levels are going through the roof, it’s time to change that. This uplifting yoga sequence opens your chest and legs to invite open-mindedness. Let go of any anxieties, focus on meditation, and movement to flow through this yoga practice with ease and come out of it feeling calm and centered.
Stress Relief Yoga by boho Beautiful
Try this 10-minute yoga sequence to get yourself ready for the day or reset your mind during your lunch break. Whenever you need a break from all the madness happening around you, hit play on this video to instantly feel more balanced.
5-Minute Yoga for Focus by Beyoutifullliving
Have five minutes? Then watch this video for a quick yoga sequence that helps you stay focused and grounded. Choose your favorite mantra and repeat it as you go through balancing poses that help you stay energized and focused. Make sure you’re tapping into your yogi breath to flow through this practice.
Calm Down Yoga Sequence for Kids by Mindful Minutes
We know that stress can be contagious, and kids aren’t immune to it. Bring them on your yoga practice and help them stay calm and relaxed. You can try this in the morning, before bed, or anytime your child feels anxious or upset. These gentle poses can help relax the mind and body, while the soothing music will introduce them to meditation.
Whenever you feel stress taking over, tap into these videos to help reset your mind, body, and spirit to remain calm and focus, despite the chaos going around you.