Everyone suffers from stress from time to time; however, too much stress can leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. Stress from your job, family obligations, financial concerns and other factors may cause you to feel anxious, agitated and just plain worn out. According to a 2002 study published by the British Medical Journal, stress and emotional exhaustion are cyclical. Emotional exhaustion can cause you to feel more stressed, and stress can lead to emotional exhaustion. Luckily, you can combat the symptoms of stress and emotional exhaustion by following a few simple techniques to take care of your mental and physical health.
Relaxation
When you're suffering from extreme levels of stress that cause you to feel emotionally exhausted, it's crucial to put aside time to relax and recharge. Although you may feel overwhelmed by commitments to others, realize that you won't be able to help anyone unless you take care of yourself first. According to the Mayo Clinic, utilizing relaxation techniques can help you to manage stress and lead to a healthier state of mind. Try deep breathing, guided visualization or meditation. You can learn these techniques using books, CDs or DVDs. You may want to consider taking part in a meditation class if one is offered at your local community center or yoga studio.
Friendships
According to the Mayo Clinic, having a strong support network is an important component of stress management. Friends can support and help you when you're feeling emotionally exhausted and as though you have nothing left to give. Sometimes having a shoulder to cry on can be cathartic. Talking about your problems can help to alleviate your stress levels because of the emotional release combined with feeling heard and understood by someone who cares.
Exercise
Although exercise may be the last thing you want to do when you're feeling stressed out and physically drained, it can actually help you to better handle stress and emotional exhaustion. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is a powerful stress reliever that can help to boost your body's production of endorphins--the "feel-good"chemicals in your brain. Exercise helps you to forget the day's events and focus on your body's movements. It can help to boost your mood, increase your self-confidence and alleviate depression and anxiety. If you're new to exercise, start with something simple, such as walking around the block after dinner. Join a yoga class or swim laps with a friend at your community pool.
