Management of Stress, Fatigue and Burn Out

Most of us have some stress in our lives, but how we respond and manage this stress can affect us physically. Managing fatigue, stress, and burnout through lifestyle medicine involves a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of one’s daily life, to improve overall well-being and prevent chronic conditions.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing stress and fatigue. A whole-food, plant-predominant diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients to support energy levels and mental health. 

Physical activity is another cornerstone of lifestyle medicine. Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. 

Sleep is essential for recovery and stress management and prioritising sleep can significantly reduce feelings of fatigue and improve cognitive function.

Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help individuals cope with daily stressors more effectively. These practices can also reduce blood pressure and improve our emotional resilience.

Social connections and having a sense of purpose and belonging, further adds to emotional resilience, reducing the risk of burnout and anxiety. 

Through the use of positive psychology techniques, I can assist patients in how to improve resilience and establish goal setting, to be successful in supporting behaviour modifications.