Bypassing the Burnout Bomb

Image source: Kirshnee Moodley, "Bulungula", 2022.

It is that time of the year again when things tend to get a little crazier than usual.

Deadlines, family, finances, life...

Sure, stress can be natural and sometimes necessary but what happens when it all becomes too much to handle?

Burnout is a condition often brought about by prolonged feelings of energy depletion and stress, negatively impacting every facet of our lives and health.

Characterized by feelings of extreme hopelessness, cynicism, depression and isolation, burnout is much more than ordinary fatigue or exhaustion and can affect anyone from doctors to stay-at-home moms.

Having experienced burnout many times during my corporate career, it took a while to tune into what I really needed to replenish my reserves and be okay in a world that didn't feel safe at the time.

Here are a few things I learned that made all the difference during my recovery:

1. Unplug

It is not surprising that a significant percentage of individuals who experience burnout are high achievers who hold themselves to lofty, sometimes unrealistic standards and expectations.

The first step is to acknowledge that you aren't superhuman, nor do you have to be!

It's OK to step back and take a break, particularly if you feel exhausted and unable to cope with the demands of daily life.

Early in my career, I regarded burnout as a failing on my part but as time went by, I saw it instead as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to nurturing my wellbeing in a more deliberate way, thus allowing me to set a positive example for those around me who may share similar struggles and experiences. 

The world isn't going to fall apart without you, but you will if you fail to acknowledge and take action to address the symptoms once they become apparent.

Honour your body's call for rest and intentionally unplug from it all, knowing you will be better for it when you return.

2. Recharge

Although burnout can be an extremely uncomfortable experience, it has taught me one of the most important life lessons - I matter as much as everyone else.

Learning to fill my cup before giving to others has been a turning point in my journey and has helped prevent the onset of burnout symptoms for many years now.

Knowing it was going to be difficult for me to commit to self-care, I set myself a schedule of activities during my mental health break, being intentional to include things like a massage, painting, meditations and a hike out in nature. 

By day 3, I felt better than I had in weeks!

What energizes and revitalizes you?

It could be a walk in the park, a creative activity, or dancing along to your favorite music.

In the thick of burnout recovery, it may feel impossible to get out of bed and engage with life, however being consistent with a self-care routine can serve as an integral and deeply restorative step on the healing journey.

3. Reach out

As tempting as it can be to isolate, curl into a ball and cry endlessly in bed, burnout does not go away on its own and certainly not while we hide ourselves away from the world.

Social connectedness is medicine for the soul and can be extremely uplifting, particularly while healing through burnout.

Reach out to trusted colleagues, loved ones or a professional for support, or to talk through your challenges with.

Burnout may often leave one feeling vulnerable and alone, but it is never something to be ashamed of.

You matter! Let those who love you feed that belief and walk with you on your journey back to wholeness.

Discomfort and pain aside, burnout can be a great reminder to revisit and reset our boundaries, allowing us to exercise greater responsibility and care for our needs as individuals.

As you embark on the road back to health, remember to be kind to yourself and honor your experience as a learning and growth opportunity.

You are not alone in your struggles and with the right support and resources, this too shall pass!

Need support to make change happen in your life? Contact me via my website or LinkedIn to start your transformation journey today.