5 Mindfulness Practices for Combating Burnout

Feeling burned out? You're not alone. Burnout goes beyond just feeling stressed – it can disrupt everything from your immune system to your sleep schedule and even lead to depression-like symptoms. “Stress is evolutionarily beneficial, burnout is not,” explains Mental Health and Wellness Expert Amy Hawthorne. “Burnout is a central nervous system related issue where someone remains at a heightened state of distress over an extended period, beyond their capacity and limits.” 

Restorative behaviors can be extra helpful for those experiencing burnout. Here, Amy gives us a few of her favorite mindfulness practices for burnout prevention and recovery that you can utilize the next time you’re burning the candle at both ends.  

Try a Five Senses Meditation This technique grounds you in the present moment and cultivates mindfulness by employing the five senses. Simply imagine a specific place in your mind and then catalogue five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste. Through focused attention on these sensory experiences, you can quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of calm. 

Begin a New Hobby Hobbies can imbue your life with fulfillment and inspiration. Engaging in activities outside of work or routine chores helps you shift your focus from daily stressors, providing both mental relief and an avenue for self-expression. Plus, if you’re inclined toward artistic endeavors, flexing your creative muscles helps keep you in the present while boosting your mood with a little dopamine spike.    

Practice Curiosity Don’t just react to life, respond to it. By becoming more curious about yourself and the world, you inject a sense of wonder into your everyday experience. Take an objective, third-party approach to observing your life, your thoughts, and your feelings to feel more grounded, balanced, and grateful.  

Engage in Physical Exercise Regular exercise releases endorphins, which naturally lift your mood, ease stress, promote better sleep, and provide a much-needed mental break. Don't worry, though – you don’t have to revamp your routine by yourself. Discover the workout that works for you alongside our experts with our Fitness Amplified package and receive a fitness plan tailored to your health and goals.  

Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones Meaningful moments with friends and family serve as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life, replenishing your emotional reserves and cultivating a sense of resilience. Mix quality time with well-being by booking a Mindful Journey package and bringing a loved one along. That way you’ll both enjoy our world-class mental health and wellness services as much as you enjoy each other’s company.  

Explore more ways to prioritize your well-being at Canyon Ranch and book a revitalizing stay at any of our all-inclusive wellness destinations in Tucson, AZ, Lenox, MA, or Woodside, CA.