5 Ways to Treat Yourself to Avoid Burnout

5 Ways to Treat Yourself to Avoid Burnout It’s no secret that women are stressed out these days. And I mean really stressed out. Today, we’re always “on” and connected. We’re overloaded with information. We put on so many hats, even though it’s not a good look. If you’ve started seeing the danger signs of burnout it’s time to treat yourself. For a day, don’t think about anything but yourself. It’s not selfish. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid a mental, emotional and physical meltdown. Need some ideas to get your started? Here are five ways you can treat yourself to bypass burnout. Spa Day Just for You Spa treatments are the go-to stress reliever. They’re relaxing, indulgent and provide a nice confidence boost. But a treat yourself spa day goes beyond a basic massage or pedicure. It’s a day filled with customized spa treatments that address your specific needs. A facial is a great option since it’s one of the most customizable spa treatments available. The esthetician can use a unique blend of ingredients to target key skin concerns. Massage can also be customized to relieve muscle tension in a specific area. Talk with a few spas in your area to see if they offer package deals that can be customized to your liking. Have a Low-Key Picnic Nature is a natural stress reliever. Numerous studies in recent years have found that simply walking through a park can immediately reduce physical signs of stress in city dwellers. If you need to escape the urban jungle, plan a picnic. Pack a lunch, fill your water bottle, fold up a blanket and grab a good read. An afternoon walk through the park will relax your mind before you even get to the picnic spot. Getting lost in a book will further ease stress and anxiety. After a few leisurely hours you’ll feel renewed and rejuvenated. To keep the picnic from becoming more of a hassle than it’s worth, keep the guest list small. As in, make it a solo affair or a date with your significant other. The point is to relax quietly out in nature, which is easier with fewer people. Have a Really Nice Meal There’s nothing more indulgent than reserving a table at a four-star restaurant and ordering whatever you want from the menu. No calorie counting, no penny pinching â€" it’s an all out indulgence. It turns out comfort food actually exists. Neuroscientists have discovered that certain foods ignite the pleasure centers of our brains. For women, our preferred comfort foods tend to be sugary â€" ice cream, chocolate and cookies top the list. When we’re stressed out that can also trigger the brain to crave comfort foods. You don’t want to make food a coping mechanism, but treating yourself to a really nice meal every now and then can be a great pick-me-up. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any of the cooking or cleaning. Weekend Retreat When burnout is knocking at the door, you may need to put a little distance between yourself and the stressors. One of the best things you can do is treat yourself to a weekend retreat. Nailing a weekend retreat that restores your energy and sanity is all about picking the right accommodations. Many retreats are designed to get your mindset on a more positive path so you can manage daily stressors that add up. The amenities will also be focused on pure relaxation. The best weekend retreats have everything you could possibly need onsite, so for a few days you can disconnect and not have to worry about running around. Buy a Luxury Item Some people rarely treat themselves to the finer things. We budget-conscious sisters are always looking at the price tag first and foremost. Well, not today. Of course, draining your bank account can create a lot of added stress. The good news is a luxury item doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive. A luxury item could be extra soft three-ply toilet paper instead of the regular two-ply kind. If you want to go bigger, carefully consider what luxury item you’ve wanted or needed for a while and then go out and get it. Consider it an investment in your happiness.