Burnout Recovery in Arizona: A Holistic Approach to Reclaiming Your Energy
Feeling Exhausted? You’re Not Alone.
Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can impact your overall well-being.
It affects folks in all types of professions and caregiving equally- it doesn’t matter whether you’re a high-achieving professional, stressed-out parent, or college student trying to juggle all of your responsibilities.
In Arizona, teachers and nurses rank amongst the highest careers with burnout. However, a 2021 study found that Arizona ranks in the top 10 major cities experiencing burnout. The study estimated that 49% of the adult workforce in Arizona is experiencing burnout.
Burnout can often look different in places like Arizona as the climate can be a factor that other areas of the United States don’t experience.
The good news? Comprehensive, personalized, and holistic naturopathic care can provide an effective, sustainable approach to recovery.
Three Key Holistic Burnout Recovery Strategies:
In this post, we’ll discuss three key areas of holistic burnout recovery:
How to optimize energy levels while identifying the root cause
How to support optimal adrenal function
How to prioritize and improve sleep naturally
Each section also includes a resource to help you take the next step in your healing journey.
1. A Balancing Act: Address the Root Cause and Optimize Energy
Every patient I’ve met with burnout has a “Starbucks Chapter,” meaning they rely on caffeine and sugar to push through fatigue and those late afternoon Zoom meetings. Unfortunately, the 3 PM latte and the Snickers bar can lead to energy crashes, making your fatigue worse!
The specifics of each person's unique case of burnout are often highly varied but are characterized by chronic workplace stress that has not been appropriately managed. Burnout can also look similar to other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, and PTSD, amongst others.
Instead of continuing to fuel with “easy energy,” the goal should be to identify the underlying causes of your specific case of burnout.
Key Strategies for Energy Restoration:
Stay hydrated! Dehydration caused by Arizona’s heat and dry climate can make fatigue worse.
Choose gentle, low-intensity exercise over HITT. Pilates, gentle yoga, and slow meandering walks are all great options.
Check in with your energy. Not every invite for a co-worker activity or extra committee task needs a “yes.” Before you agree to more, check in with your body to assess whether it would be energizing or draining.
Resource: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle By Emily Nagoski, Ph.D & Amelia Nagoski, DMA
Read More Burnout Recovery Books: The 7 Books I Read in My Burnout Recovery
2. Support Optimal Adrenal Function: Heal the Body from Chronic Stress
The adrenal glands are tiny almond-sized organs that sit on top of your kidneys and play a vital role in regulating energy and vitality. The glands produce cortisol, one of the hormones responsible for managing stress. In burnout, the adrenals often become overworked, which leads to too high or too low cortisol, impacting energy, sleep, and mood.
Gentle Strategies for Supporting the Adrenals:
Gentle movement, like walking in the early morning or evening, to avoid extreme Arizona heat.
Restorative practices such as meditation, yoga, or breathwork.
Personalized homeopathic remedies, Bach Flower Essences, and natural supplementation.
For More on Natural Supplementation for Burnout: 4 Supplements to Supercharge Your Burnout Recovery
3. Improve Sleep: A Foundation of Recovery
Low-quality sleep, meaning not enough sleep, not deep enough sleep, or frequent waking during sleep, is both a contributor and a symptom of burnout. The bright Arizona sun and high temperatures can cause Arizonans to struggle with sleep. The good news is that many of the other burnout symptoms are easier to resolve once sleep is addressed.
Natural Sleep Optimization Strategies:
Keep the bedroom dark and cool. Invest in blackout curtains and fans as needed.
Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule to ensure appropriate circadian rhythms.
Chill on the caffeine! Coffee, tea, and energy drinks after noon can prevent quality sleep.
Resource: Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, PhD
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Take the Next Step: Your Arizona Burnout Recovery Journey Starts Here:
As a licensed naturopathic doctor in Arizona, I focus on helping patients heal from burnout using a personalized, comprehensive, and holistic approach. We’ll create a plan that prioritizes your well-being and long-term vitality.
What to Expect When You Book a Consultation:
Comprehensive evaluation of your burnout symptoms and potential root causes
Deep dive into your personal and family health history
Personalized lab recommendations to assess for additional vitamin deficiency contributors to burnout
Customized treatment recommendations tailored to fit your lifestyle and preferences
Ongoing support throughout your healing journey
Don't let burnout drain another day of your desert life. [Book your consultation today] and discover how natural medicine can help you reclaim your energy and vitality.
* Serving clients virtually and in-person home visits throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and surrounding areas. Virtual consultations are also available for residents outside of Maricopa County and across Arizona.
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About Dr. SG Gettman, ND:
Dr. SG Gettman, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor focused on supporting patients to naturally heal burnout, sleep better, and live with more vitality. Dr. Gettman takes a personalized approach, working closely with patients to create a tailored plan that addresses the root causes of their unique health challenges and allows them to return to the activities they love.
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RELATED:
The 7 Books I Read in My Burnout Recovery
4 Supplements to Supercharge Your Burnout Recovery ← MUST READ for Additional Supplement Information
The "Sleep It Off" Myth: Why Burnout Needs Deeper Healing
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Please note that this post is for informational purposes only, is not medical advice, and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Please speak to your physician before implementing any changes related to your health.
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References: https://www.abc15.com/news/business/burnout-rate-among-phoenix-workers-ranks-within-the-top-10-in-u-s-study-finds
