Definition: to ruin one’s health or become completely exhausted through overwork.

Our lives are extremely busy…and getting busier each day.  Work, home, social activities, friends, families, parenting, to name just a few.  Our economy is challenging, the world is in turmoil, and we face many uncertainties in our daily lives.  There is a constant pressure to be at our best and to give everything we do 100%.  While this is a double-edged sword, we have adapted, pivoted, and have become more resilient than ever before…

While it sometimes can be tough to “keep up with the Jones’”, eating healthy and having a balanced diet, sleeping well, and exercising can go a long way toward mitigating the damage done.

But remember you are not alone in this! So, lets back-track a bit… and take it step by step.

WORK
Work is inevitable if you want to provide for your family and live a comfortable lifestyle, whether you have a job, are a business owner, a stay-at-home parent, an employer, a student, or a learner, you will have daily tasks to complete, deadlines to meet and food to prepare.  These things can become quite tedious at times, but they are a fact of life.  So, remember to take each day as it comes and try not to micromanage if possible.

I am not saying become so relaxed that you do not complete tasks, but remember to take short breaks, give yourself mini-incentives and catch your breath.

Perhaps learn the art of meditation or start a gratitude jar…self-reflection can work wonders when it comes to balancing your life and work.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
…or what you don’t eat.  Studies show that a well-balanced diet, which includes plenty of fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables can noticeably improve your overall performance. There’s an old saying: “Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper.”

As a Clamber Club SPORTS franchisee, I firmly believe that you should always start your day by having a nourishing breakfast with enough protein to fuel your body for the day ahead.  A wonderful breakfast for me personally would consist of two boiled eggs, a block of cheese, some fruit, and a breakfast bar.  I also keep myself hydrated with water and non-sugary juices. On really hot days, a glass of coke with lots of ice (I didn’t say cut out sugar completely 😊but a good balance keeps your body happy and healthy.

PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE
Getting sufficient sleep can be a roller coaster ride, especially when you have young children and there are all sorts of disturbances throughout the night.  But, hang in there…perhaps consider to rotate a “sleep-in” if you have a partner or allow your child to have some screen time – there are fantastic action songs and many other educational video clips on the Clamber Club YouTube channel.  Try it out…you will know what’s best for you…

DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE
These days we spend most of our lives sitting – in cars, in front of our desks, the TV, at school and at home. This has been exacerbated since the global pandemic as now you can literally do almost anything in the palm of your hand.  This sedentary lifestyle causes major health problems because the human body has evolved to stay on the move.  Don’t let convenience rob you of your best life and try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine wherever you can.  You’ve got this!

MENTAL HEALTH
Most importantly, keep your mental health strong by socialising with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, strangers and even a therapist.  Talking and laughing can strengthen your immune system, boost your mood, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

So yes, it does not help to constantly complain about everything, but it does sure help to vent to a lending ear when available.

I am a person with my own needs, a wife, a mother of three young children and a Clamber Club business owner. The best advice I can give others during these challenging times and how to avoid burning out, advice that I myself try to remember every day is that slowing down and taking one day at a time, one task at a time, one meal at a time, chatting to a family member or friend and giving myself a break from my cell phone and social media on the weekends really does help me not to burn out.

We all need to work hard but play hard too! Some days I feel on top of the world, other days are not so great and that’s ok, tomorrow is another day.

Qué será, será whatever will be, will be. I am in pursuit of my own heart and happiness and so should you be, so take that break. Your body, soul and mind will thank you for it when you come back from a well-deserved rest ready to take on all life’s obstacles with your newfound energy.

JESSICA STAFFORD
Franchise Owner – Clamber Club Sports – Kempton Park
sportskemptonpark@clamberclub.com