6 Reasons Your Body is Stressed Out (and How to Fix It) (3 of 4)

You’re experiencing burnout

Burnout has such an adverse effect on your health that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as a legitimate condition. Exhaustion, depression, lack of motivation, and a deep feeling of pessimism are some of the common effects. Although most people associate burnout with work-life balance, it’s just as common to experience it in our personal lives, especially when we’re dealing with strains in our relationships.

The Fix: Identify the specific sources that are leading to burnout (i.e., workload, unclear goals), only take on as much responsibility as you are capable of, and examine your commitments to determine what absolutely must get done, what’s optional, and what things can wait.

You’re feeling a lack of achievement (even when you’re doing fine)

The belief that you aren’t accomplishing much in your life even when there is evidence to the contrary has a significant impact on your mental health. Often, these feelings of inadequacy stem from your upbringing, where others might have repeatedly told you don’t measure up. The self-perception that you are unproductive and don’t bring anything of value to the table can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you don’t change your way of thinking.

The Fix: Don’t allow others to determine your worth. Recognize that you have accomplished things in life, and continue to motivate yourself to accomplish even more. By taking a realistic, optimistic approach, you will feel happier and less stressed.