Start recovering from burnout with a walk in nature or a trip to the gym

I’m not going to take up a bunch of pages in this book (Overcoming Burnout) to cite all types of research and data on exercise. I’m quite sure if you’re interested in investigating this subject further, there are plenty of places you can find scientific research about exercise. I’m just asking you to go to a gym or find some other type of exercise this week.

If you don’t belong to a gym, join one. I’m confident there are plenty of opportunities just a short drive from where you live. And most don’t cost a ton of money. Many gyms now offer memberships as low as $10 per month. So join a gym!

Oh, you don’t have expensive, spiffy exercise clothes? Who cares? Go to the gym anyway. Go buy a pair of sweatpants and get moving. Don’t think you have the time? Yes, you do! Think your clients are going to yell at you for not being available? No one will miss you for an hour.

This is your chance to escape and do something for yourself. Even if it’s just one hour, find a way to incorporate exercise into your week. Sure, if you haven’t done this in a while, you may hate it initially. But you will grow to like it and it will make you feel better.

The only science I will cite here is the proven fact that exercise has the ability to generate dopamine and endorphins that you need in your brain. Dopamine makes you feel better, allows you to think more clearly and even helps with executive functions. When we’re burned out, all these suffer so getting some exercise is an enormous first step in recovering from burnout.

If you don’t feel you are ready to go to a gym, then at least take a one-hour walk. Clear your head, breathe the fresh air and get moving. Me personally, I do both. I belong to a gym, and I try to take a walk a few times a week. When I’m on these walks, even if it’s with other people, I always seem to solve even the simplest problems in my head while being outside.

This is an excerpt from the Book Overcoming Burnout-Real Life Strategies for Burnout Recovery and Prevention, written by David A Greenwood