Summer 2015 Health Tips: How to Manage Stress & Prevent Burnout in Scorching Season

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While some people might not realize it, stress and burnout are two different health issues, which have separate treatments and preventive measures.

Stress occurs when too much is demanded from a single person, states HelpGuide.org. People tend to get stressed when there are too many physical and psychological pressures.

Symptoms of stress include: over-engagement, overactive emotions, urgency and hyperactivity and loss of energy. If stress is not treated it could lead to anxiety disorders, physical damage and even death

On the other hand, burnout involves not having enough will power and can be a result of too much stress. According to HelpGuide.org, burnout occurs when a person starts to feel empty and unmotivated.

Symptoms of burnout include: disengagement, dulled emotions, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and lack of motivation, ideals, or hope. Pro-longed burnout can lead to depression and detachment, emotional damage, and a weak will to live.

The summer season can greatly reduce stress and burnout symptoms, since there are plenty of activities a person can do outside. Below are some tips on stress management and burnout prevention.

Stress Management

Web MD recommends two techniques that are great for summer stress management: meditation and Yoga.

Mediation involves deep concentration for a couple of minutes, which can lead to overall relaxation. To meditate, simply close your eyes for 10 to 20 minutes, while repeating a word, sound, or phrase either silently in your head or quietly out loud. Avoid thinking of any stressful or disturbing thoughts.

Yoga, on the other hand, can lower the level of cortisol in the body, which is known as the stress hormone, reports Web MD. The site recommends trying each of the different forms of yoga to see which one is the most comfortable.

Both meditation and yoga are great stress techniques to try doing outdoors in the summer.

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic suggests trying some outdoor exercises like walking or playing sports outside, such as basketball.

Burnout Prevention

MSN suggests getting a full night's sleep to prevent burnout. Jess Lynn Hanley, co-author of "Tired of Being Tired," advises people to sleep 8 hours every night with an additional 10-15 minutes of relax time before getting out of bed.

Being well-rested will make it less difficult to go to the gym or exercise every morning. 

HelpGuide.org suggests taking a break from technology at least once everyday. Phones and laptops are constant reminders of tasks that need to be finished and work that needs to be done.

Taking a break from the constant beeps, rings, and alarms can help relieve just a little bit of stress. Try going outside, instead of staying in front of a screen, to enjoy the fresh summer air.