What to Do About Burnout
It’s not enough to say that this past year, this whole situation has been very challenging. It’s tested our boundaries, made us question relationships and ourselves, introduced a fear we never thought we’d have to face, and put a halt to the flow of life in terms of what we can and can’t do. All the while, most of us still worked, still raised families, still got up every day trying to make it feel somewhat normal. There’s a pressure to keep hopes high, to keep the quality of work at its best despite an unclear future, to be positive in front of and for the sake of others while they too, are under the same pressures as you are. It begins to erode on your spirit, your creativity, your attitude, and your life, slowly but surely it starts to feel like you’re just a cog in a machine, just doing your part but not really existing.
It’s called burnout. There are many signs of burnout, each different between people, and luckily, there are many things you can do about it. I wouldn’t be writing this if it didn’t come from a place of experience and I am here to share with you how I am coping and trying to get through.
Get Outside
There’s nothing like a nice big breath of fresh air! I noticed that when I’m feeling my most stressed when I feel upset or just need a boost of creativity, I take a walk or go rollerblading in the park. Just seeing the beautiful trees, the lovely gardens in my neighbor’s yard, people riding bikes, birds chirping, big butterflies, and feeling the nice breeze on my skin reminds me that life is so much more than our jobs or personal relationships. Nature is all around us and prevails over everything. To me, there is something so soothing about that. Lately, there have been live bands popping up in the parks, playing for any who are willing to listen, a reminder that life is returning to a better place. I remember the first time I saw one of these bands playing in Audubon Park, I nearly cried. I didn’t realize how much I missed seeing live music and how comforting it was to watch people enjoy themselves and sway to the music. I now seek these little pop-up concerts and enjoy every second of them.
Explore an Old Passion
My guitar sits right next to my desk collecting dust, begging for a jam session. And for the longest time, I denied it’s right to be played, telling myself that I would be wasting my time if I picked it up and played a tune, that I didn’t have time or was “too rusty” to play anymore (like anyone was listening). But I remembered how my Grandfather would go into his room, close the door and just jam out for like 20 minutes; Johnny Cash, country songs, rock n’ roll, he played non-stop and he was pretty amazing at it. Then he would come out and get back to his normal routine as if nothing happened. So I tried it one day and picked up that dusty old guitar, tuned her up, and played songs I haven’t played in years and it’s been very beneficial. Introducing that back into my everyday life feels like a fun extracurricular activity, a project that I want to chip away at, a skill that I’m interested in sharpening again, and for no one else but me.
Speak Up—even if your voice shakes
Burnout is often due to relationships, work, or situations where we have to deal with other people. Not everyone goes through burnout, not everyone understands. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn't express what’s going on or how you feel, even if that isn’t the easiest thing to do. If you have the opportunity to tell your boss, your partner, your friends, or whoever is relevant, what you are going through, do it. It’s a very vulnerable place to be in, but at least you get it out there. You give yourself the chance to express what is and isn’t working for you, your pain points, your struggles, and your concerns. Speak up, even if you’re terrified to do so. If they can’t handle it or take it seriously, then at least you know where you stand, and now you’re one step closer to moving forward.
Take a Break from Technology
Put your phone down. Get off the computer. Step away from social media. And go do something else. Constant news updates about the state of the world, opposing views, petty comments, the comparison of one’s life to another in terms of selfies, and carefully captured moments, all in just one stroke of the finger across the screen is sometimes too much to bear. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling looking at other people’s lives and digesting the current state of affairs, you are going to get burnout. Set a limit for yourself; no phone/social media until 10 am or none after 10 pm, or maybe no phones while enjoying your meals, or while walking around outside. Whatever works for you. But that break in technology is huge and can do wonders for your psyche.
Assess Your Goals/Priorities
When you’re feeling burnout, it helps to remind yourself how and why you go there in the first place. What were your intentions when you began this job, this relationship, this friendship, this venture in your life? What did you want to come out of it? Picking that apart and going back to drawing boards is a great way to get back to the foundation of which this all began. Surely you are here in this place because, at one point, you believed this would benefit your life. You cared so deeply and tried so hard that you have exhausted yourself into a state of burnout. Remind yourself, what your goals truly are. Does this job/relationship/friendship/action still support those goals?
Make a List
I love a good list. It helps me rattle off the pinpoints of what I need and want. I have found it helpful to make lists in my journal of things like my strengths, my weaknesses, what makes me happy, my goals, my hopes, my fears, my values, and what I am grateful for. Write these things down, write whatever comes to mind, don’t worry about being correct or fair, this is for your eyes only. Begin lists of whatever you feel like you need to make a list of, then leave it alone and come back to it at a later time and see how that feels. Bet you see something there that holds an answer to your pain.
Walk Away (If You Need To)
You have to do what is best for you. No one deserves to be in a toxic situation. You owe it to your health and your future self to walk away from the people and things that no longer serve you. It may seem impossible, it may be very difficult, but what is worse? Ripping off the band-aid or allowing the wound to fester and become more infected? Have the courage to walk away, to leave toxic people and situations that make you feel like the lowest version of yourself. You are a human being, your energy is needed in this world and there is a place and people who will appreciate your vibe. Go find that.
Don’t Be Ashamed to Get Help
Feeling burnout can trigger some pretty serious thoughts. It can make you feel self-doubt, empty, underachieved, and weak. If you are feeling like you might need to talk to someone and get some clarity on these thoughts, don’t be ashamed to get help. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Talking to a professional with an unbiased opinion can help you sort out what’s ailing you. They can bring light to your darkness and give you the tools you need to get back on track. If there is something going on with your body, you go to the doctor, the same thing goes for your mind. Take care of your mind and spirit, for they are always with you, they are always talking to you and directing you. Allow yourself to receive some wisdom and guidance, and grow from that.
