How can I manage burnout and fatigue I feel from all the horrible things in the world?

Hello Mundy,

Thank you for that great question. First of all, congratulations on your college degree, that is quite an accomplishment, and especially during these times, it has been very hard, as you have noted. Burnout and fatigue are usually always seen together, these are not anything new, but right now, in these trying times, we are experiencing a unique set of circumstances that fosters a new kind of fatigue and burnout. When we have a lengthy period of disturbing and troublesome events, this has been a primary reason given to the rise of individuals that are experiencing mental, physical, and emotional collapse.

This is not uncommon to feel this way, and you have listed quite a list of events and situations that are just challenging in nature to understand. There may have been several things that you have witnessed these past few years that have caused you to just really question life in general. It is okay to feel sad about these things! You have that right because these are disturbing things.

One of the things that help with fatigue and burnout is paying attention to your self-care and your boundaries. Self-Care is making sure you are eating healthy foods, getting some exercise, getting enough sleep, setting aside time for reflection (journaling, meditating), taking breaks or short vacations, spending time in nature, and setting boundaries in your life where they need to be placed. In taking some focus off the world, because these are things you cannot change, you look at yourself and what things you can change.  

A big one of these is setting boundaries that can be with others or yourself. Do you find that you watch a lot of social media or TV that constantly inputs the world's troubles? Do you take breaks from this and allow the time for yourself away from all the noise? Do you say "No" to unnecessary demands on your time?

Journaling is also a big thing that can help. When you feel all these emotions on the inside, it is good to get these out on paper, so you can self-reflect on what you are feeling. It is also good to have some social support in your life that you can talk to and express what you are feeling and get a listening ear.

You also may find that some of these things going on are really interfering with your daily life and the things you would like to do. In that case, talking to a therapist about your concerns can be very helpful as well. In a safe environment, with a non-judgmental person that can offer support can be very helpful and validating during this time. Whatever it is, take time for yourself as the number one priority!!

I hope some of this information helps you.