Have you ever found yourself feeling exhausted, burnt out, and questioning the purpose of all your hard work? It's not uncommon to reach a point where the stress and lack of fulfillment outweigh any perceived benefits. That has definitely been how I have been feeling. The pressure has built so much that it is no longer conducive to my journey in life to continue this way. In this blog I wanted to explore the importance of recognizing burnout. This year has been intense, and I have had to deal with huge amounts of entitlement from others. Now I am prioritizing my own life and starting to embrace what fills my cup up, focus on my personal goals and self-care. I no longer want to be on this cycle of exhaustion for what seems like everyone else and to finally find a healthier, more balanced approach to work and life.
Recognizing Burnout
Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. It's crucial to recognize the signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, and a sense of disillusionment. Acknowledging that there is nothing wrong with you, but rather that you have been pushing yourself too hard, is the first step towards finding a solution. The hardest part of acknowledging this is the reality that I cannot get the much required break I to recover. I have a huge list of responsibilities and tasks that I cannot get on top of alone. It’s like I’m screaming out for help as I’m drowning, and people are just staring at me from the shore watching me drown. They think that holding water bottles, towels and sunscreen for when I finally save myself is somehow helping.
Embracing Self-Care:
Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining your well-being and preventing burnout. Prioritizing self-care means making time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you. This could include exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking moments of solitude to relax and reflect. By incorporating self-care into your routine, you can replenish your energy and find a renewed sense of purpose. I have decided to prioritize and focus on my health for this next month. Making it a top priority to walk and fueling my body with the right food.
Reevaluating Priorities:
When you're feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, it's essential to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. I have been trying to take little breaks to really ask myself what truly matters to me and what brings me joy and fulfillment. This has involved reassessing my career goals, business goals, learning to set boundaries and making choices that align with my values and well-being. It has not been easy, but I am starting to realize it is important and okay to make changes and pursue a path that brings me greater satisfaction and balance.
Seeking Support:
Dealing with burnout has been challenging, and it's important to seek support from those around you. I have been reaching out to friends, family who can provide guidance and a listening ear. Sharing your struggles and seeking advice can help you gain new perspectives and find the support you need to navigate through this difficult time. I wish I can say this is easy but the amount of people i have asked for help and who have actually helped is small. Grateful to the small number of people who have been here for me.
Finding a New Perspective:
Sometimes, the key to overcoming burnout and letting go of entitlement lies in shifting your perspective. Instead of focusing solely on external validation or success, try to find intrinsic motivation and satisfaction in the work itself. Cultivate gratitude for the opportunities you have and the skills you've developed. By embracing a new perspective, you can find a sense of fulfillment and purpose that goes beyond external recognition.
Feeling burnt out and dealing with exhaustion and a huge to-do list can be overwhelming, but it's not permanent. Also, just because I am burnt out does not mean something is mentally wrong with me, that I’m fragile or insecure. I am just tired, needing to adjust, reset, find a clearer direction and find the much-needed support I need. A change is coming! So, by recognizing burnout, embracing self-care, reevaluating priorities, seeking support, and finding a new perspective, you can break free from the cycle of exhaustion and find a healthier, more fulfilling approach to work and life. I am going to start prioritizing me and my family first.
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