Burnout is a growing phenomenon that is reaching epic proportions in many industrialized countries. 67% of U. S. employees reported feeling burned out and it accounts for up to $190 billion in U. S. healthcare spending. Early research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is adding to burnout risks - and many mental health hotlines are seeing astronomical increases in call volumes in the past weeks. Burnout has significant physical and mental health consequences that can impact your life trajectory.
This is why today’s SuperCharged Tip is all about combating burnout. I had the pleasure of interviewing Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Tatami, a remarkable man who inarguably has one of the most stressful jobs as prosecutor in child murder cases. You may know him as the lead prosecutor on the Gabriel Fernandez trials, which was documented on Netflix. Gabriel was only 8 years of age when he lost his life to months of torture and eventual murder.
Jon shares that he is a survivor of child abuse himself and the terrible toll it took on his self-concept and self-esteem. Despite his own trauma, he has dedicated his life to helping victims of abuse find justice. We discuss Jon’s own tumultuous childhood, the most difficult aspects of his job, but also how he finds light in everyday life and how he protects his mental and physical wellness.
Here are our five favorite ways to combat burnout from my discussion with Jon. All are scientifically proven.
1. Getting exercise regularly - at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time.
2. Eating whole foods and focusing on nutrition and food as fuel.
3. Communicate - don’t shut down or avoid when you’re feeling stressed or down. Instead, practice opposite action and express yourself assertively to people you trust.
4. Self-reflect - making time for quiet solitude and taking inventory of your day, what went well, and what you need to improve on.
5. Healing relationships - making time to nurture yourself through relationships with loved ones that support you, help hold your distress, and who can help you recharge.
For the Podcast Episode, click here.
