PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

If your current existence feels like an unending struggle with endless to-do lists, work-related stress, fatigue, and a severe shortage of motivation, you’re not alone. Occasionally, despite our most diligent efforts, life can overwhelm us, leaving us more drained than ever. On this World Mental Health Day, we’ve compiled a list of indicators that suggest you might be edging towards burnout, signalling that it’s time to take a step back from both work and life, with real-life anecdotes from everyday people. We have also listed a few wellness retreats to escape burnout.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can be caused by excessive or prolonged stress. You might often confuse it with stress or fatigue, but it is more than that. One might feel helpless and tired. Burnout is emotionally tolling and might also have a negative impact on your work, home life, and health, if not taken care of.

We often forget to take time for ourselves, relax, and unplug from our hectic schedules. Once the work day is over, many have to return home and tend to other responsibilities like parenting, household chores, and domestic work. “I never have enough time to get everything done at home, and I always feel something or the other is still left for me to do,” says Pooja Mehrotra, a working woman in her mid-forties.

Signs to Look Out for

The key symptoms to look out for in burnout are physical as well as emotional exhaustion in the form of fatigue and emotional drainage. “I dread going out on weekends because I’m so tired after a long week, and all I really want to do is stay in bed and relax, but that’s not always possible,” says Antara Azeem, a CA final-year student.

Additionally, you might start to avoid responsibilities and even the things you used to enjoy. Self-care, which is essential, often gets pushed aside, and many find themselves irritable and withdrawing from social circles. Physical symptoms, including head and body aches, a lack of sleep, low immunity, stomach aches, and more, are also signs of burnout. “After putting in a solid 7-hour shift at school, I often struggle to contribute to other household activities and help my child with her schoolwork because I usually suffer from a body ache or feel extremely drained,” complains Hanisha Gelani, a high school teacher based in Bareilly.

Time for a Wellness Sabbatical

Wellness retreats offer an excellent opportunity to embrace the concept of slow living and provide your body with much-needed rest, offering a complete respite from work. “We’re living in a society that makes it difficult to keep mental health a priority, so I am constantly struggling to take some time for myself, take a break, relax, and go on a vacation,” points out Tanya Sharma, a home-baker.

Wellness retreats are designed to nurture your well-being and incorporate mindful activities that facilitate relaxation and rejuvenation. From yoga and meditation sessions to culinary experiences, communing with nature, and indulging in therapeutic treatments, these retreats aren’t just a getaway; they represent an opportunity for reflection and personal growth. It’s crucial to determine the type of break you seek, so we’ve compiled a selection of wellness retreats to assist you in finding the perfect path to recovery from burnout. Take a look.

Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat

Experience the beauty of slow living and village life while staying at the Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat. This tranquil location provides opportunities for naturopathy, yoga, and Ayurveda sessions to revitalise your body and mind. Additionally, you can partake in adventurous jungle walks and cycling activities, all while savouring delectable cuisine. Located just 10 kilometres away from Panaji, the capital of the state, this peaceful and comfortable haven offers the ultimate wellness experience.

Raga Svara

Raga Svara is a spacious spa and wellness retreat located in the Kasturbadham region of Gujarat. This remarkable destination not only serves as an Ayurvedic learning centre but is also a cultural hub. The contemporary resort boasts comfortable accommodations, healthy food, yoga, and meditation classes. Moreover, personalised treatment plans are available to provide a truly tailored wellness experience. We highly recommend engaging in their comprehensive wellness programme during your stay. This programme is designed to help you unwind and escape the pressures of daily life, focusing on four crucial aspects of well-being: therapeutic, philosophical, aesthetic, and ecological.

Naad Wellness

Situated on the outskirts of New Delhi, Naad extends an invitation to embrace holistic healing practices that provide both the time and techniques to detach from stress and attune to the boundless cosmic energies, allowing you to rejuvenate and rediscover your authentic self. In addition to its therapeutic treatments, Naad offers a range of activities, including yoga, aerial yoga, tennis, badminton, and scenic walks throughout the property. The cuisine at Naad is a delightful vegan offering, featuring multiple a la carte courses.