Nourishing your body and mind during burnout
In the fast-paced world that we live in, burnout has become an all-too-common experience for many of us. The pressures of modern life, anxiety-inducing news and economic uncertainty have all taken a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing, leading to a more frequent state of burnout: a feeling of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion.
While recognising burnout and seeking professional guidance is crucial, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the significant emotional connection between our food choices and stress levels. Consuming nourishing food can play a pivotal role in managing burnout and supporting physical and emotional systems during these challenging times.
Health experts emphasise the importance of nourishing food as a game-changer if you’re experiencing burnout. When we feel stressed or emotionally drained, our body’s immune system can weaken, making it susceptible to various illnesses. By making mindful food choices, we can support our immune system and aid our body’s natural processes to combat stress.
What you should eat if suffering from burnout:
- Dark, Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach and kale contain high concentrations of folic acid, a nutrient that aids the body in serotonin production. Serotonin is often referred to as the “happy hormone,” and it plays a crucial role in regulating mood and reducing stress.
- Fruits: Ensure you consume sufficient fibre-rich foods like pears, strawberries, avocados, apples, raspberries, artichokes and bananas. Incorporate them into your diet as snacks or in nutrient-packed smoothies.
- Legumes: Replace processed grains with lentils, chickpeas and beans, as they are rich in fibre, minerals and protein.
- Adaptogens: These natural herbs and mushrooms, such as Indian ginseng (ashwagandha), Holy Basil, lemon balm, Reishi mushrooms and St John’s-wort, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help the body handle physical and emotional stress.
- Wholefoods: Choose unprocessed, unrefined and unpackaged plant-based foods to boost your immune system and overall wellbeing.
- Water: Dehydration can worsen stress and fatigue, so ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider adding lemon slices for extra flavour and health benefits.
- Dark Chocolate: Choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to increase your magnesium intake, a nutrient crucial for overall health.
- Hot Herbal Tea: Chamomile tea, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help ease feelings of burnout and anxiety.
- Soup: Hearty and nutrient-rich soups provide comfort and are easy to digest, making them an excellent choice for individuals experiencing burnout.
In times of burnout, planning and preparing healthy meals may seem overwhelming. However, preparing meals in advance will save time and energy during stressful periods. It also reduces emotional eating when making food choices at the last minute. Take a look at some of Kamlaya’s wholesome recipes here.
Kamalaya Connect offers an online Stress Management consultation to help you reduce stress and anxiety. This 90-minute session involves assessing your lifestyle and stressors, setting achievable goals, and receiving practical tools and techniques tailored to your needs. Find out more about how Kamalaya’s expert professionals can guide you in developing effective stress management skills, supporting your journey to lifelong wellness.
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