Deepika Padukone talks about burnout and lack of sleep

On World Health Day, actress Deepika Padukone, founder of the Live Love Laugh foundation, and Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post and Thrive Global, shared their personal experiences with stress, burnout and sleep deprivation. They discussed how these mental health issues can have a major impact on decision-making and daily life. Both emphasized the importance of giving our bodies time to recover and relax so that we can better deal with these challenges and maintain productivity. This conversation was especially meaningful as it marked Deepika’s first public appearance since she welcomed her daughter with husband and actor Ranveer Singh.

By highlighting their experiences, they drew attention to often overlooked mental health issues and the importance of self-care. Arianna noted that when she is sleep deprived, she becomes more emotionally reactive, which makes challenges feel more intense, which in turn affects her mental health. To which Deepika replied, “When you’re sleep deprived or burned out, the decisions you make can, and I think I really feel that sometimes. I know that on certain days I feel stressed or burned out because I haven’t gotten enough sleep or haven’t been doing my self-care rituals… I find that my decision-making is affected to some extent. The video also features Deepika, where she mentions the importance of recovery or rest time to overcome these mental health issues.

Let’s learn the effects of burnout and sleep deprivation on mental health!

Burnout and mental health

There is often confusion between stress and burnout, but although both are mental health problems, they are different. On the one hand, stress is a reaction to any form of tension in life. While burnout, on the other hand, is a state of complete mental, physical and emotional exhaustion that can significantly affect your well-being. According to the National Library of MedicineA stressful lifestyle can lead to extreme pressure, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and empty, which can ultimately result in burnout. Burnout is largely due to work-related chronic stress. Although the symptoms of burnout vary from person to person, someone dealing with burnout may experience the following common symptoms:

You might like it too

• Extreme exhaustion
• Decreased performance
• Low energy or persistent fatigue
• Lack of enthusiasm for the work
• Difficulty performing even small tasks
• Feeling of detachment
• Hopelessness
• Loss of motivation
• Anxiety or irritability
• Lack of appetite
• Increased substance use to cope

Sometimes it’s hard to notice burnout because its symptoms overlap with stress, depression and anxiety. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult a therapist to identify the underlying causes and initiate appropriate treatment.

5 tips to deal with burnout

Here are 5 tips that can help cope with burnout and improve mental health:

1. Recognize the signals: Acknowledge feelings of exhaustion, irritability and withdrawal. Understanding that you are experiencing burnout is the first step in addressing it.
2. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to additional responsibilities that overwhelm you. Protect your time and energy by prioritizing tasks that align with your goals and values.
3. Take breaks: Provide regular breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can increase your productivity and clear your head. During these breaks you can take a short walk or take deep breaths.
4. Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that promote your physical and mental well-being. This may include exercise, hobbies, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
5. Seek support: Don’t hesitate to talk about your feelings with friends, family or colleagues. Sharing your experiences can provide relief and help you gain new perspectives. You can also receive professional guidance to deal with a burnout situation.

Also read: 5 Daily Habits to Improve Your Mental Health

Sleep deprivation and mental health

Sleep deprivation occurs when you don’t get the amount of sleep your body needs. This can be the result of various lifestyle, work and environmental factors, as well as sleep disorders and chronic medical conditions. Insufficient sleep has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Research of the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry indicates that poor sleep can increase negative emotional responses to stress and reduce positive emotions. Here are some ways sleep deprivation can affect your mental health:

• Mood swings and irritability
• Frustration and grumpy behavior
• Lack of emotional regulation
• Difficult decision making
• Increased risk of anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Alcoholism
• Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)

In addition to these mental health consequences, a lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, lethargy, hallucinations and cognitive problems.

7 tips to combat sleep deprivation

Here are 7 tips that can help you improve your sleep cycle:

1. Set a sleep schedule: Consistency is key. So go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: To relax before bed, do activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques that can let your body know it’s time to wind down.
3. Limit screen time: Reduce screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime, as blue light from phones, tablets and computers can disrupt melatonin production and disrupt your sleep cycle.
4. Focus on sleeping environment: Make your bedroom suitable for sleeping. Keep the room dark, quiet and cool. Consider using earplugs or an eye mask if necessary.
5. Pay attention to food and drinks: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. These can disrupt your sleep patterns. Instead, eat a light snack when you’re hungry.
6. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga. These can help calm your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.
7. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, but avoid vigorous exercise right before bed.

With these tips you can combat sleep deprivation and sleep better!