We’ve all been there. We’ve had one too many emotional blows in a short period of time and we feel completely drained. We don’t have the energy to do anything, let alone take care of ourselves. This is when it’s important to know how to bounce back. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips that will help you recover from being emotionally drained and get your life back on track!

What is emotional drain and why does it happen?

Emotional drain is a state of being in which you feel completely depleted of all emotional energy. This can happen for a variety of reasons, some include:

• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Going through a difficult life transition
• Dealing with chronic stress or anxiety
• Engaging in toxic relationships
• Suffering from a mental illness
• Putting everyone’s needs before your own 
• Lack of work life balance 

When we are emotionally drained, it can feel like we have nothing left to give. We may be so overwhelmed by our emotions that taking care of ourselves may seem like an impossible goal leading to mental exhaustion. The result is a downward spiral where we become increasingly isolated and disconnected from the people and things that bring us joy, thus, negatively impacting our person’s personal and professional lives. 

How to recover from emotional drain

The first step to recovering from emotional drain is to recognize that you are in a state of depletion. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to be aware of how you’re feeling and the factors that contribute to these feelings. Make a practice of pausing in your day do a self check. Certain cues you are looking for are feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, un explained sadness, lack of energy, lack of joy with things or people you once enjoyed, sleep disturbances.  Once you’ve identified one or many of these symptoms it’s time to start taking care of yourself. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Tip# 1: See your Doctor

Your first self care action item may require seeing your doctor. Sometimes the symptoms of emotional or mental drain can overlap with an underlying medical condition. It’s important to speak to your health care provider if you identified the symptoms discussed above, so they can help rule out any medical condition.  

Tip #2:  Get enough sleep

Sleep is crucial for emotional and physical recovery. When we’re tired, our bodies and minds are not able to function at their best. This can make it difficult to cope with stressors and can lead to further emotional distress. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, there are a few things you can try:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a bath or reading a book.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
• Do not use the bed for anything accept intimacy and sleep

Tip #3: Create a support system

It’s important to have people you can rely on when you’re going through a tough time. These people can provide emotional support by listening and comforting you as well as practical assistance by providing advice and tips. There is research that shows the importance of social connections for our wellbeing. If you don’t have a support system in place, there are a few ways to create one:

• Reach out to family and friends. Let them know what you’re going through and how they can help.
• Join a support group for people who are dealing with similar issues.
• See a therapist or counselor who can provide professional support.

Tip #4:  Don’t try to do everything yourself

When we’re overwhelmed,  it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do everything ourselves. This is not only impossible, but it’s also not necessary. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to other people whenever possible. This will help lighten your load and give you more time to focus on taking care of yourself.

Tip #5:  Make time for activities that make you happy

It’s important to find time for activities that bring you joy. This can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and give you a much-needed break from whatever is causing you emotional distress. Start small by doing fun things that are easy to achieve. These can include a walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, getting some ice cream, talking to a trusted friend. If you find this task tough, ask a friend to do something with you.

Tip #6:  Give yourself permission to take a break

It’s okay to take a break from work, school, or any other obligations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just need some time to yourself, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a step back. This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or drop out of school. It just means taking a temporary hiatus until you’re able to cope with your obligations.

Tip #7:  Find healthy coping mechanisms

There are many healthy ways to cope with stress and emotional distress. Some coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, and spending time in nature. Experiment until you find what works best for you.

Tip #8:  Practice self-compassion

It’s important to be gentle with yourself when you’re going through a tough time. This means accepting your feelings and giving yourself the grace to make mistakes. Remember that you are human and that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Tip #9: Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms

There are some coping mechanisms that can do more harm than good. These include drinking alcohol, using drugs, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. If you find yourself relying on these coping mechanisms, it’s important to reach out for help.

Tip #10:  Seek Psychotherapy 

If you’re struggling to cope with emotional distress, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your feelings. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your doctor for a referral or look for a therapist online.

All in all, if you’re feeling emotionally drained, it’s important to take care of yourself. These tips can help you recover and bounce back. Remember to reach out for help if you’re struggling to cope. You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available when you look for it.

With that said if you reside within Ontario and are looking for a psychotherapist mississauga provider feel free to contact us today and we would be happy to help.