Best Women’s Self-Care Tips To Prevent Burnout

27 Best Women’s Self-Care Tips To Prevent Burnout

With the constant go-go-go mentality we all face these days in society, it’s no wonder, so many of us as women find ourselves feeling drained, exhausted, and on the verge of burnout.  There’s just so much on all our plates, we often feel like one more thing added to our to-do-list could topple us over. 

And unfortunately, if we continue along a path this way without finding some ways to cope, we can wind up suffering long term with our health.  Which is why practicing some self-care is an absolute necessity!

My Story Of Dealing With Burnout

I remember a few years back when the accumulation of not practicing self-care and making myself a priority finally descended upon me.  It was like a dark, suffocating cloud hanging over me, blocking out all forms of light. 

Some days I felt like I was drowning, struggling just to come up for air.  My health was going haywire, and I started suffering from both anxiety and depression.  It started with having thyroid issues, losing hair, and gaining weight. 

I then began having horrible pain in my legs, and just walking became a struggle.  After seeing doctor after doctor, it was determined that I was dealing with nerve damage and thyroid complications. 

Ultimately what I realized following this experience was that my body was reacting to putting myself and my needs on the back burner for far too long.  I then decided it was time to get back to “ME”, to start practicing some self-care, even simply just doing the little things that made me feel good each week.  I realized I needed to tap back into the things that I enjoyed doing most.

What Exactly Is Considered Burnout?

Burnout is when you reach a point of mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical exhaustion.  It starts as little bits of stress here and there, and then it grows, and oh how it can grow! 

Eventually, you can find yourself feeling overwhelmed, depleted, frustrated, apathetic, or a combination thereof.  But as stated, it does start small, so it’s best to find ways to cope and prevent it before it has a chance to reach full-scale capacity.

Misconceptions About Burnout

1. “I don’t need to worry about finding ways to cope with stress; I’m ok, I can manage.” — Wrong my friends.  Most people minimize what they are feeling and brush it off, ignoring the early signs.  When you do this, you set yourself up for future trouble.  

2. Burnout means you are depressed or suffer from anxiety, I don’t feel depressed or anxious, so I’m ok!” — Actually, burnout appears in many different forms for different people.  And there are many stages to burnout.  For some, burnout could be growing chronic irritability and having a short fuse.  For others, it could be a constant restlessness that results in insomnia.

3. “Burnout is a sign of weakness.” — Many people assume burnout is the result of just not being able to hack it in life or handle stress.  The reality is that our tolerance for stress has actually blown to extreme proportions, due to society and what is considered now the acceptable “norm”. 

We assume and expect that the hustle and bustle mentality, the go-go-go attitude is the norm.  But our bodies are not made to constantly be in fight or flight response.  And eventually, that constant state catches up with us one way or another with our health, manifesting as physical illness or disease.

4. “Burnout is something to be ashamed of.” — Quite the contrary, with the rise in social media, we often compare our lives to others, thinking everyone else’s life is perfect, and they have it all together. 

But the reality is social media is for appearances… “keeping up appearances”, that is.  Everyone has problems, flaws, or issues they are dealing with; you just may not see it from their Facebook or Instagram page.  More women experience this than you realize.  In fact, if more people were open about their experiences with burnout, they would find they are not alone.

Why Does Burnout Happen?

• Chronic stress from the constant demands of work
• Stress and exhaustion from the mounting responsibilities for family and/or kids
• Being a people pleaser and taking on too much  
• Feeling underappreciated or not getting recognition for efforts in work or family life
• A series of several negative events occurring, leaving a person feeling like they have absolutely no control over important areas of their life

What Are Some Of The Signs And Symptoms Of Burnout?

Burnout can be a slow process that sneaks up on you.  If you can recognize the early signs and symptoms of it, you can then start implementing some skills to cope.  This is where having a few self-care practices (daily or weekly) can come in handy.

Early Burnout Signs

1. Lowered immune system – Do you get sick easily?
2. Insomnia and poor sleep habits – Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep? You lay in bed and find yourself up thinking, mind racing, or worrying about things?
3. Headaches – Do you regularly find yourself popping a Motrin for that headache?
4. Lacking Focus, Tired, and Unmotivated – Do things seem like a struggle each morning?  Do you have trouble focusing or concentrating some days?  Or do you wake up and it feels like you are living the same day over and over again?
5. Negative moods – Do you find yourself easily irritated, or frustrated?  Do you feel cynical?  Do you just feel “blah” some days? 

Symptoms Of Burnout

1. Anxiety
2. Panic Attacks
3. Depression
4. New Illnesses or Health Problems
5. Chronic Fatigue
6. Taking Anger Out On Others

The 27 Best Self-Care Tips To Prevent Burnout From 27 Successful Women

Tip 1: Make Room For Quality Time

Real, authentic-time with friends; time where you can be yourself, be vulnerable, and be supported.  I find this time uplifts me, encourages me, and gets me pointed back in the right direction when I start feeling askew.  ~ DeChelle Harris

Tip 2: Give Meditation A Try

Meditation isn’t for everyone, but hey don’t knock it until you try it.  For me, it is a wonderful way to relax and calm your mind after a long day.  Meditation doesn’t have to be just at the end of your day, you can incorporate it throughout your day.  It only takes 5 minutes or more, you decide.  I promise when you are done, you will feel so much better, and self-love will have a whole new meaning.  ~ Kristy Bailey

Tip 3: Get Moving!!

• Exercise ~ Tamela Wallace Young

Tip 4: Re-invent To Avoid Burnout!!

Re-invent yourself constantly. ~ Robin Cole-Carter

Tip 5: Delegate Some Chores From Your To-Do List

Online grocery shopping (the extra $5 is totally worth it and typically your 1st shop is free to try it out!). ~ Danita Manley

Tip 6: Completely Unplug

Self-Care for mental & emotional health: I allow myself time to relax and do nothing, without guilt.  For 1 hour per day, I allow myself to unplug.  No electronics, no technology, no interruptions.  Even if I have to sit in my car to unplug-that is more than okay.  I owe it to myself and those I love to be proactive and make time for self-care so I can continue to try to be everything they need me to be. ~ Keya Strudwick

Tip 7: Learn To Say “NO”

As simple as this sounds, it’s one of the hardest things I had to perfect.  Saying no to unwarranted and unwanted things frees up our minds from unnecessary overload and our time.  Too often, we as women feel the need to say “yes” to everything asked of us, leading to exhaustion (physical and mental).  Having the power to say no takes the pressure off, giving us more time to sit down and focus on the important things.  Burnout can occur without even noticing it’s happening.  Its key to step back, evaluate each situation we’re in, and decide whether we’re vested or not.  As a former “yes woman”, I burnt out more often than not from putting other’s needs before my own.  Now, I pick and choose my yeses.  I am much more at ease and have time to focus on my own peace of mind. ~ Derissa Raynne

Tip 8: Get Outside & Find Some Culture To Explore

Long walks and visits to art museums! ~ Valerie Kennedy

Tip 9: Relax With An Epsom Salt Soak

I really like to take a hot Epsom-salt soak, to destress and unwind.  Fill the tub with hot water, add 3-4 cups of Epsom salts, and soak.  Great way to detox, soothe, and soften skin.  Very relaxing, too! Ahhhhh! ~ Amy Spaulding

Tip 10: Pace & Pamper

Pace yourself!  Create your own pace and take time out to pamper yourself with some nice spa type relaxation. ~ Nyomi Ali

Tip 11: Take A Quick Nap Or Put On Some Makeup

Take care of yourself always.  If you feel burned out at least take a short nap daily.  No matter how I feel, I always put makeup on.  It makes me feel so much better! ~ Brandy L Uplegger

For more insight into how a beauty routine like applying makeup can be therapeutic for many women and a means to practice some self-care, check out this post… Self-care: The Benefits of Beauty Therapy!

Tip 12: Do What You Love Or Try Something New

Take out time to do what you love and also try something new!  For example, once a month, I take out time to travel to a place I’ve never been or visit a place that I enjoy seeing.  Even if it’s just a short trip with friends/spouse or just hanging out with yourself.  It’s important to remember who you and what you enjoy because life gets in the way sometimes and it’s important to hit that “refresh” button. ~ Candace Beamon

Tip 13: Patience & Kindness

Taking recharge time isn’t selfish!  You can’t help others if you are falling apart or burning the candle at both ends…And easy to tell others but harder to put into practice, treat yourself with patience and kindness. 🙂 ~ Erin Nicole Orwig

Tip 14: Find Your Zen With Almond & Coconut Baths

I take warm almond and coconut baths at least once a week and meditate. ~ Thelma S E Brooks

Tip 15: Enjoy Some “Me-Time”

Make sure you get some me-time…in-between time. It’s so important to get the rest you need so that you won’t get burned out.  I’m a busy single mom, and sometimes I feel like I’m constantly on the go for work, my daughter and my part-time business.  When I feel like I’m getting burned out, I take the time to rest and do absolutely nothing so that I let my body rest and regroup from my normal routine.  I like to take nice hot bubble baths with a glass of wine and nice mellow, chill music.  I call it my me time. ~ Alachiae Keesee

Tip 16: Create A Consistent Routine

Every day in the morning and night do your self-care routine. ~ Jackie Sanchez

• Whatever routine you decide on, be consistent and stick with it!  Think of it as a new healthy habit you are adding to your day-to-day life.

Tip 17: Find Something You Love

My best self-care tip is doing something you love whether it’s taking a hot bath, cleaning your house, decluttering, or just simply reading a favorite magazine.  I personally enjoy reading Vogue (I call it my bible) ?.  I love fashion and everything about it!  Sometimes when I’m home alone, no hubby or little one.  I go into my closet and put outfits together to save time for when I actually have an event to go to ?.  I love it because at the same time I’m also organizing my closet, my third favorite thing to do that helps prevent burnout.  ~ Tamara Mclaughlin

Tip 18: Self-Reflection And Treats!

Take a timeout, reflection, & treat yourself! ~ Deiatra Brooks

Tip 19: Remember To Be Honest And An Advocate For Yourself!

Over the years one of the best ways I’ve learned to provide myself with self-care and prevent burnout is being honest with myself and others.  It is important that we are honest about what we want, desire, like and dislike, and in doing so, we are caring for ourselves!  Oftentimes we fall into the trap of being passive-aggressive, which is a dangerous way to fall into burnout.  We must learn that it’s okay to say no and be an advocate for ourselves first.  Becoming more honest with ourselves and others is healthy!  Putting yourself first and forgoing what others think and feel is right in its respectable place.  As we practice more honesty, we will start to notice a difference in how we feel emotionally and mentally!  Our emotional and mental state is just as important as some of the other ways to engage in self-care.  ~ Chante’ Clark

Tip 20: Use The Power Of Sound

Listening to inspirational music and meditation helps me maintain and sometimes regain my sanity. ? ~ Roxanne Lancaster

Tip 21: Practice Being Still

I have intentional quiet time when I come home from work.  No TV, no radio, no catching up with girlfriends for the first 30 minutes of being home.  I’d like to think this process is my mind’s way of purging through the hustle of the day.  It is a sacred time of reflection, being careful not to fill my mind with checklists and to-dos!  It is amazing how powerful stillness is and how, when we learn to appreciate the quiet, opportunities of self-awareness are present. ~ Nataki McClain

Tip 22: Don’t Just Talk…Take Action!

Don’t simply talk about self-care.  You must plan and schedule your weekly self-care activities.  You teach others how to treat you based on your behavior.  If you show that self-care is important to you, others will encourage and support your self-care activities and goals.  You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you plan and work for. ~ Cassandra G Davis

Tip 23: Calm The Mind With Lavender

To prevent burnout, you can take 30 minutes before bedtime (after everyone else has gone to sleep) to meditate.  In the darkness, rub lavender oil under your nose while you totally clear your mind from every movement of thoughts while laying down or sitting crisscrossed on the floor or bed.  Take slow deep breaths and relax every muscle.  Taking self-pauses can recharge you for your next run! ~ Tracee Hester

Tip 24: Date Night With Yourself

Take yourself on a date at least once a month.  Try something new or stay with something that is tried and true.  Either way the best way to prevent burnout is to break out of your routine and let your mind and body smile :). ~ Antoinette Cheek

Tip 25: Shift Your Energy To Love

A deep abiding love for my family and friends.  Love purges all the impurities. ~ Toni Spaulding Forbes

Tip 26: Quiet The Mind

I believe having a moment of quiet with no distractions is a great tool to relax your mind. ~ Sheila T. Gaillard

Tip 27: Create A Schedule

A schedule!  It might sound constraining but scheduling your personal time – and honoring that schedule, can really help create a sense of balance. ~ Angela Hilliard Harrell

The Last Thing You Need To Know About Burnout

To live a happy, successful, balanced life self-care should be a priority for you.  Rather than waiting to reach burnout, be proactive, and start trying some of these suggested tips from successful women. 

But if you are already at the point of burnout, just breathe, and know that it will be ok.  Shift your focus right now to practicing some habits that make you feel good, make you feel better, make you feel whole again. 

Is there anything that relaxes you?  What brings you joy?  What centers you?  Start adding it to your day-to-day life, or at the very least once a week.

Hope you enjoyed these tips today, Beauties!!  Which of these tips do you currently do?  Which could you do more of?  Leave a comment and feel free to share this post with friends who may need it.  You never know who may need it. 

Stay happy, stay blessed, and stay self-aware today, ladies!  Till we meet again on The Beauty Deep Life… <3 🙂

If practicing self-care is a struggle for you…check out this post where you can get this free printable (42 Empowering Motivational Quotes) to help you stay motivated and take better care of yourself!

Related Self-Care & Wellness Articles:

• Self-Care: The Benefits of Beauty Therapy
• How To Take Better Care Of Yourself
• How To Make Time For Self-Care

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