Longer term strategies to treat Burnout. Burnout series- Post 6

RECHARGING OUR BODIES. Methods to recharge our bodies and minds can include; Rest, meditation, stretching, relaxation, reading a book, listening to music or going for a walk in nature. We can also pay more attention to our nutrition. Your immune system can be either boosted or damaged by what you choose to eat. Eating a balanced diet improves a person's health and well-being. As we know, food is a source of energy, vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fats that we need to function. We need to eat a variety of different foods to deliver these nutrients in order to maintain a healthy body. With good nutrition, people can improve their mood and reduce the risk of numerous diet-related diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity and osteoporosis. According to functional nutritionist Aiofe Morrin, “You can get food to work for you by mindfully consuming targeted nutrition, and deliver tangible results. This rang true for me when I finally managed to support my body in its natural serotonin production and wean myself off anti-depressants, which I’d been on for 13 years. I would encourage people to embrace the power of nutrition and change their mindset from avoiding illness, to striving for optimal wellness, through what’s on the end of their forks!” Hydration is also hugely important. Your body is nearly two-thirds water and so it is really important that you consume enough fluid to stay hydrated and healthy. If you don’t get enough fluid you may feel tired, get headaches and not perform at your best. Shinrin-yoku is the name given to the Japanese art of "forest bathing," contemplative walks through the woods that reconnect the individual with nature and can lead to decreased stress, natural mood elevation and even a stronger immune system. This means of mobile meditation has been recognised by the Japanese government since 1982 and has been endorsed by the Forest Agency of Japan as a means of improving quality of life. The practice can be a natural way to combat the toll of stress and anxiety.