Life's Ups And Downs

Feeling burnt out? Clinical Psychologist and Business Director at The Human Edge, Helene Vermaak, gives some grounded self-care advice for anyone feeling overstressed or depleted.

- Helene Vermaak

There is no doubt that many, if not most of us, are in need of self-care at the moment. Burnout is very real and is affecting adults and children alike. “The pandemic has disrupted and affected our lives beyond our imagination ever since we went into the first lockdown. Even though there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel we still need to get there,” says Helene Vermaak, Business Director at corporate culture experts, The Human Edge.

Many of us view self-care as selfish and indulgent. However, Helene says that when it comes to the people we love, we would never think this way, so why is it so easy to do this to ourselves? Self-care is a necessity now more than ever if we are to keep on going and to prevent burnout.

PRIORITISE YOUR NEEDS

To do this, you need to change the way you think about what’s important. “Yes, it is not good to elevate your needs above the needs of others but at the same time you shouldn’t value them any less,” says Helene. The best way to do this is to view your needs in the same way as you would the needs of someone you care about. When you do this, you will make the right choices for yourself.