We have all been in this place, where everyday life takes hold, it can even feel like a stranglehold. There is just so much stuff to get through, so many responsibilities and a never-ending To Do list. Getting stuck in this place can lead us down the path of stress, overwhelm and ultimately burnout.
We feel so busy, in a constant mode of ‘Doing’, we forget how to just ‘Be’.
Recently, after a burnout from overwork and being overcommitted, life forced me to take stock, step right back and evaluate how far I had stepped into this mode of ‘Doing’ on an endless Rinse, Repeat cycle. I had got so used to it, it felt normal to work 14 hours a day, there was so much work to do and it became the new normal.
When my body, mind and spirit shouted in unison ‘STOP!!!’ I felt empty, numb in a state of shock and so drained. I started to realise how much I had allowed work, which I loved, to seep into all aspects of my personal life, to the point where there weren’t any boundaries between the two. My life was completely blended. Thankfully, I had help - a loving family, access to an amazing counsellor and wonderful friends.
Burnout Symptoms
The recovery path has been a profound one, a burnout is an easy word to say, quite a big pit to end up in, where nerves feel frazzled, the mind can’t seem to focus on much, the feelings and emotions feel invisible and hard to reach and the most minor thing that doesn’t go right can lead to a meltdown of epic proportions. Fragility, anxiety and low mood to the point of depression become normal as the slow climb back to self begins. I have learned a huge amount and have been humbled.
Superwoman is not a good listener
I now know I can no longer act in full ‘SuperWoman’ mode. It can feel good, be impressive and can suit high achievers, but SuperWoman doesn’t listen to the quiet inner voice that may have a question over the unsustainable pace of life.
Processing Stress
I have learned that stress, or any emotional response, needs to go in, be felt, processed and released out. I was unwittingly letting stress in but not allowing any time at all to process it. BIG lesson there!
Reconnecting with your emotions
When we are in ‘Being’ mode, when an emotional response does arise, we can allow ourselves to connect with it. This means noticing it, feeling where it is experienced in your body, talking or writing about how it feels and allowing time to pass, gently, free from judgement. Taking a breath, deeply allows us to pause and feel present, connected with what we are feeling in the moment and recognising the experience then noticing it subside. If we practice this, emotions can become familiar, recognised and can be processed healthily, even if they feel uncomfortable. Emotions need oxygen, to be seen in the light of day and to be recognised, witnessed and allowed to process through, then out.
Be Kind to Yourself
You are recovering from a burnout. You absolutely don’t need any pressure to speed it up! Make your morning rituals a non-negotiable. Self care wasn’t even possible previously, no time. Now I can’t start the day without my ‘Morning Pages’ journal (Julia Cameron - The Artist’s Way), my morning hot lemon drink, bath with Epsom salts and essential oils and my connect with my inner self and Mother Earth. Taking care of yourself can take many forms. You will know what works for you. Write down any ‘little wins’ to mark moments that are positive. The incremental build of these moments and positive experiences are what helps you to recover.
Ask for Help
Support can come in many forms. Allowing vulnerability in is key to allowing help and support to find you.
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