Feeling close to burnout? These are the signs you urgently need an adventure

In a fast-paced society, we can often end up feeling burned out from work — we tell ourselves that we’ll take a break after this one big project finishes. But then, another project crops up. And another. And we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, work, work, without having taken any proper time off.

Even if you love your job, you still need a little headspace from time to time, whether that be to re-energise or enjoy a good dose of getting-away-from-it-all travel. Here are the signs that you might be heading for burnout, and the indication it’s time to spread those wings and book those tickets.

It’s time make room for some more exciting dreams

Taking your work home with you is one thing, dreaming about it all night is another. If thoughts of to-do lists and meeting plans are interrupting your all-important sleep, it’s likely you’re not giving yourself the down time you need to rest and recharge. Not only does this make you feel exhausted, but it can affect the quality of your work — so it’s in everyone’s interest (including your boss’) for you to take a break.

It’s time to widen those horizons, fire up that imagination and make room for some more exciting dreams. Hiking in the Peruvian mountains could do the trick. Or, how about glamping in the deserts of Morocco? After a day of exploring delicious food in Marrakech and surfing in Taghazout, those meeting minutes and complex spreadsheets will be a distant memory.

Escaping into another world, is a great way to feel less stressed

When was the last time you read for pleasure? And free newspapers on the train don’t count. If you’ve got an ever-growing pile of books that you never get around to reading, treat yourself to some time off to immerse yourself in it. Escaping into another world, even for a short while, is a great way to feel less stressed and return to work feeling refreshed.

Whilst you could do this from the comfort of your sofa, we reckon it might be that bit more relaxing in a hammock in the Philippines — voted the world’s best island, or maybe in a cosy glamping pod beside a frozen lake in Finland? Just make sure you’re not too engrossed in your reading to miss the Northern Lights.

Encourage yourself to take a break

While we’re often aware that social media is more of a ‘highlights reel’ than a representation of real life, if your own personal highlight reel consists of little more than commuting and hurried lunch breaks, maybe it’s time to make a few changes. Noticing the difference in lifestyle here, or the breaks others are having, can be used as a means of good — encourage yourself to take a break, too, and change that reel.

Nothing will get you feeling more relaxed and in tune with a pause than a tea ceremony in Japan, or a sunset snap of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar.

Exciting adventures you were planning before work got in the way

If your suitcase is looking a little dusty, remember it is there to be used as more than a storage measure for all of your out of season clothes. Perhaps it’s time to remember why you got it in the first place — for all of those exciting adventures you were planning before work got in the way – also applies to hidden passports, backpacks and the previously mentioned pile of books.

Pack your camera and swim gear for an unforgettable trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, where you’ll have the chance to spend a night in a traditional junk boat and kayak through the limestone caves of Halong Bay. Or, throw in your safari hat and head to South Africa – the summit of Table Mountain and the glittering Cape Peninsula awaits.

We’ve found that mindful travel really can help

Less enthusiasm for daily life? This is perhaps the biggest warning sign of all that it’s time to shake things up. If your life has become one long and monotonous routine and you’re wondering if that’s all there really is, it’s definitely time to hit pause and reconsider. We’ve found that mindful travel and waking up somewhere awesome (instead of in your bed at 6am on a gloomy Monday morning) really can help.

Reignite your zest for life in the rainforests of Tayrona in Colombia, or find a new passion while canyoning through the Wadi Mujib in Jordan. You’ll return home with a fresh new perspective – and a whole bunch of incredible memories.

Ready to set off on your own solo adventure? Join Flash Pack today to meet other like-minded travellers just like you.

Got a story or adventure that could inspire a solo traveller like you? Tag @flashpack on social or email [email protected] to be featured.

Images: Flash Pack, Unsplash