Burnout, a widespread epidemic, currently affects people regardless of nationality, race, or socioeconomic status. While society is finally in the beginning stages of recognizing burnout as a serious issue, we must fast-track efforts to reduce it. Depending on the severity of the case, research shows that it could take months or even years to fully recover from burnout. The longer you’ve been experiencing (and ignoring) burnout symptoms, the longer the recovery time will be for you … so let’s get a jump on the process of healing!
According to Human Design, there are two main causes of burnout: expending too much energy in general, or expending too much energy on the wrong activities. To determine which cause most likely contributed to your burnout depends on whether you are a non-energy or an energy type. Non-energy types must make a concerted effort to avoid overworking, while energy types are built to function like the Energizer bunny … as long as they engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
Once you determine your energy type, next you should put systems in place that will help you heal. Healing burnout requires a lifestyle shift, and it will not happen overnight, but the transformation will enhance your life beyond measure.
Set Boundaries
Many of us were not taught how to establish and enforce boundaries. When you begin your healing journey, you can ensure a successful recovery by understanding your boundaries and then sticking to them. In addition to physical boundaries, consider boundaries of your time, emotions, finances, and even conversational topics. You must become confident in saying “no” to others, even your loved ones. Mastering the art of saying “no” will teach you how to better manage your physical and non-physical resources.
Prioritize Self-Care
Burnout directly correlates with disregarding our own needs. In order to make the shift away from burnout, we must implement a consistent self-care routine, including getting sufficient daily rest, performing consistent exercise, engaging in hobbies, spending time with family and friends, and more. Your self-care regimen does not have to be elaborate, and, in fact, it’s better if it’s low-key so you will be more likely to continue it. The key is consistency.
Practice Mindfulness
People tend to engage in negative thinking when in the midst of burnout. Changing out of a low-vibrational mindset is certainly a feat in and of itself. I’m going to share a few simple ways that you can begin improving your thoughts. Meditation is a wonderful practice that I believe should be adopted by everyone, because it forces you to pause, reflect, and release. You can practice guided or non-guided meditation to begin slowing down the mind and reframing your thoughts. Practicing gratitude is also a wonderful daily practice. Begin each day with listing at least 5 things that you are grateful for. Lastly, rewiring your brain to positive self-talk through daily positive affirmations is a magical self-love routine. Look in the mirror and state aloud the energy you wish to embody with “I am” statements. For example: I am worthy.
Take Inventory
When you’re stuck in the repetitive flow of your life, it is easy to become numb to your feelings and what no longer aligns with you. Take time now to assess everything (work, activities, relationships) to see what can stay, what needs to pause, and what needs to go. Freeing yourself from perceived obligations that no longer serve you will immediately uplift you and jumpstart a renewed sense of energy.
Gather Support
Recovering from burnout can be a long and arduous process, so I highly recommend that you enlist the help of a support system. A therapist, a coach, or a support group that understands your struggle and can give you practical tools to assist you on your journey will exponentially improve your success (and make it more enjoyable along the way). If you are interested in learning more about how I can support you on your journey, <I would love to talk with you>.
You deserve to live a life you are excited about, a life that energizes you. Make the commitment to yourself today to prioritize your healing and to say goodbye to burnout.
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