Between all the Zoom meetings for work, school, and social distancing, some of us may be on the brink of virtual burnout. Burnout is a kind of mental, emotional, and even spiritual exhaustion coming from the drain of tasks that are both challenging and overwhelming in some way, without the reprieve or release of something that can recharge you in a meaningful way. 

Have you noticed a new onset or an increase in the following?

• Pre-emptively feeling fed up just thinking about the next zoom meeting.
• Becoming easily irritated or frustrated with loved ones or co-workers.
• Zoning out during video calls or missing messages.
• Experiencing anxiety about virtual responsibilities and deadlines.
• Emotional numbness or feeling isolated. 

What you can do:

• Talk it out: have an honest conversation about what will help to take some pressure off during your Zoom calls
• Break it down: Break the tasks of the day into chunks, giving yourself short breaks between virtual calls and tasks. Use that time to stand up, stretch, get water, step outside- something that can help recharge you
• Give your phone a bedtime: At least 30 minutes before bed, put all electronics away to give your eyes a break. This will help clear your head, boost your mood, and will increase the chance of a good night’s sleep
• Do a digital detox: Set digital boundaries by unplugging, turning off devices, or muting notifications and make time to get outdoors, read a physical book, connect with someone face-to-face, or otherwise engage your environment. 

Well In Mind is here for you.  Call 815-933-2240 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits.

“The art of walking meditation is to learn to be aware as you walk, to use the natural movement of walking to cultivate mindfulness and wakeful presence.”- which lowers stress and induces relaxation!

1. Find 10-15 feet of space. This can be inside, outside, or anywhere you feel comfortable.
2. Stand still for a moment, close the eyes if comfortable. Feel the body’s posture, the feet on the ground, and any other sensation you experience.
3. Open the eyes. Choose which leg will be stepping first. As you lift the foot, feel the bottom of the foot lose contact with the ground. Moving it forward, observe the sensation of the foot coming back into contact with the ground.
4. Lift the other foot and attend to the experience with the same awareness. Remember that this is both a mindfulness practice AND a practice in cultivating concentration. When the mind wanders, come back to feeling in the feet.
5. Walk 10-15 feet, and mindfully turn around. As you turn, notice how the hips, legs, and torso adjust to turn the body. Walk slowly, taking a step every 3-4 seconds.
6.  Try incorporating a simple verbal practice, similar to a mantra. As you lift the foot, think or say “Lift.” As you move the foot forward, think, “Move.” As you place the food down, think, “Place.”
7. When you are done with the practice, stand still for a few moments. Set an intention to retain some of this mindfulness of the body as you return to your day.

Well In Mind is here for you.  Call 815-933-2240 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits.