Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Dreading the day ahead? Finding yourself constantly irritable and unable to focus?
You might be experiencing burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. And if that’s the case, you’re far from alone. A recent survey found that nearly 50% of Australian workers report signs of burnout.[1]
The good news? With the right support — and some powerful natural tools — you can begin to restore your energy and joy. Here are five gentle, effective ways to begin that healing journey.
When you're burnt out, your body needs real nourishment—not sugar highs and caffeine crashes. The CSIRO Healthy Diet Score showed that many Australians eat too much junk food and not enough whole, nutrient-dense meals.[2]
Health Tip: Aim for 3–4 different types of vegetables with your main meal, and keep hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.
Herbal medicine offers a natural way to support your body’s stress response. Adaptogens are herbs that help balance the body and promote resilience.[3] Here are three of my favourites:
Health Tip: Herbs can be powerful. So, especially if you're on medications or have a health condition, it's best to consult a qualified naturopath or herbalist before starting new remedies.
Yoga isn’t just physical—it’s deeply restorative. It improves posture and breathing, and helps calm the nervous system for better sleep and relaxation.[7], [8]
Yoga Nidra can be very helpful, often producing a state between deep relaxation and sleep. All that is needed is a quiet place to lie down. Just one hour is said to be as restorative as four hours of sleep.[9]
Health Tip: Explore a gentle yoga or relaxation class in your area, or try guided Yoga Nidra sessions online to ease into this restful practice.
When you're burnt out, your inner critic can become overpowering. Mindfulness teaches us to return to the present moment with compassion, softening our self-talk and helping us reconnect with joy.
Health Tip: Pause now. Take a few slow breaths. Notice the sounds around you. What can you see? Smell? Feel? Let this gentle awareness carry through your day.
Forest bathing—or Shinrin-yoku—is the simple act of walking slowly and mindfully in nature. This practice can help reduce stress, lower anxiety, and work to bring your nervous system back into balance.[10]
Health Tip: Take a 5–10 minute walk in a nearby park or forest. Focus on what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Let nature ground you.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken—it’s a message that something needs to change. With small, consistent steps and a return to nature and self-care, you can rediscover your spark. And once you do, that new way of living can help keep burnout from returning.
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Written by Sarah Isaacs, Naturopath and Nutritionist
Phone: (07) 4085 0054
Email: info@naturalhealthfocus.com.au
DISCLAIMER:
