New Year, New Goals

Anyone else make goals or lifestyle changes instead of resolutions? I tend to make goals for the new year, rather than making a resolution. Resolutions typically don't last because we wait until a specific time to enforce that changes. Goals and Lifestyle changes, however, ebb and flow as the years progresses. There is no specific change, but an end goal.

This year, my end goal for my business is to finish my Perinatal Certification and finish my Certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics. My personal goal as a person to be a better Chiropractor to my patients is to re-discover my hobbies, likes/dislikes, and who I am as a person. I also plan to take more weekends to myself to get the care and rest that I need to avoid burnout.

What is burnout?

Burnout happens to the best of us. The medical definition of burnout is emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from a combination of exposure to environmental and internal stressors and inadequate coping and adaptive skills (free-dictionary.com). We are all susceptible to this, especially with how that past few years have been. Some of us have been working the entire pandemic and have had little to no adequate rest on top of the added stress this pandemic has brought.

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Tips for those experiencing Burnout:

1. Find a Hobby

Hobbies are an excellent outlet in stressful times. Sometimes we as adults forget that it is okay to have fun sometimes. I like to workout, I like to go line dancing with my friends, I like to read, I like to explore and try new restaurants or stores. I also enjoy hiking when the weather is nice. You can even find me building Star Wars Lego sets (they are for adults, too). Do something that makes you happy and forget the responsibilities for a moment, an hour, a day. It is okay to cultivate your hobbies.

2. Rest

This is far easier said than done. Who remembers a time when you DIDN'T have to schedule time to rest? What helps you rest? Find something that takes your mind off things and helps you be in the moment. Get together with friends (be safe in these COVID times). Sleep in one day a week. Do something that provides rest for you.

3. Social Media Cleanse

Yes, you read that right. Get off social media for a bit. Do you really need to scroll for hours on end on TikTok or Facebook or Instagram, comparing your life with others that seem to have it all together but really are in the same boat as you? Social media is fun, but having some parameters so you don't doom scroll for hours on end is helpful.

4. Get Outside and Reconnect with Nature

One of my favorites, but something hard to do in the lovely Pacific Northwest during winter and spring time. When there is a beautiful day or a break in the weather, go for a nature walk. It doesn't have to be a treacherous hike, it doesn't even have to have to be in a forest. It could be the park down the street. We've got enough squirrels to feel like we are close to nature.

5. Nutrition, Supplements and Diet

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed could mean an imbalance. Let's not do anything radical here (unless you are all about doing a 180 and making radical changes). Small changes here and there can make a difference. Eating better foods to improve mood and energy levels can make a world of difference. And guess what? I'm re-learning that carbs are not the enemy! Well balanced diets are important, as well as taking supplements. Taking Vitamin D and Adrenal Support supplements can help with the stress and overwhelmed feelings. There are so many supplements that can help that "rundown, stressed out" feeling. Contact me if you are interested in Nutrition and Supplements. I can get you connected with a Naturopath or get you connected with Metagenics Supplements.

These are just suggestions, suggestions that I am practicing for this year. If you have different ideas, I would LOVE to hear them! It has been a difficult two years. Make sure you are the healthiest, mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. You are worth the time. You are worth the effort and by golly, you are worth the rest.

-Delena Brymer, DC