Step 1. Tend To Basic Needs.
When we experience high levels of stress and/or burnout, we almost always stop tending to our basic needs such as proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise. Before making any big decisions and/or taking any necessary actions to overcome life’s challenges, it is imperative to evaluate whether our basic needs to survive and thrive are being satisfied. If those basic life needs are not being met, then taking the time to address those needs is an important first step.
Why?
Have you ever tried to make an important decision or take decisive action when you are sleep-deprived? How about when you are not eating enough food to replenish the calories you have been burning? I know when I have done this, it usually does not yield the desired results. We do not expect our car to function efficiently or to get us to our desired destination without fail if there is no gas in the tank, no oil in the engine, or no tread on the tires. So, why would we expect anything different from our bodies and minds?
One of my favorite acronyms to help illustrate this point stems from the computer/tech/mathematics world. You may be familiar with the acronym GIGO, which stands for garbage in, garbage out. I first heard this term in business classes when I was in college. It essentially means that the output will only be as good as the input. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to refuel and rejuvenate our bodies and minds with proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep if we expect a high quality output in our lives.
How?
For example, coffee and other stimulants consumed in excess are not healthy substitutes for lack of sleep. The solution for lack of sleep is to get quality sleep. Likewise, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol is not a healthy way to cope with stress. A healthy alternative would be to take a walk, immerse ourselves in nature, or get a workout in if we are physically able to do so.
My Experience
Life can still get pretty hectic, but I check-in with myself every few hours to make sure that I am eating enough calories and drinking enough water throughout the day. I also workout every day to help alleviate stress, and I eliminated the misguided “four hours of sleep per night is enough” regimen from my life.
Practicing self-care lays the foundation to function at our best, do our job effectively, and take care of others. Therefore, tending to our basic needs is a non-negotiable first step if we want to reach our highest potential and avoid/conquer burnout.
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