4 Ways To Avoid Burnout
I will never forget the day that changed my life, and it took a complete burn out to get my attention!
After a crazy busy morning (which had become my norm in those days) of getting five kids out the door and taking work calls before I even left the house, I finally dragged myself into work. Well not quite. As I was opening my car door, I realized I had pulled into the parking lot of the job that I had left a year before.
I sat there in a daze for a few seconds while I realized what I had done. And then I did what any intelligent, fearless and fabulous leader would do….I broke down crying… and I cried, and I cried some more, and I cried for what felt like hours. I had a complete, full blown, ugly crying melt down. I was late for work and I couldn’t stop crying… and I swore this would NEVER happen to me again!
I refused to recognize the signs that I was burning out. As a once single, divorced mom with a busy career, I had worn my busyness as a badge of honor. It had become such a way of life for me. I’m filled with such sadness and regret when I look back on those days, but also am SOOOO grateful for that experience which has brought me to where I am today.
Don’t EVER EVER ignore signs that are telling you to slow the heck down!
These signs come in different shapes and sizes with everyone. My signs came in the shape of lack of energy, zero desire to spend time with friends, neglect of both my physical and mental health, disengaged with co-workers (but also being preoccupied with work when I wasn’t even there), lack of motivation, negative thoughts about everything and lack of sleep. I kept it together for my kids, but all hell broke loose when they would go to bed at night.
If you recognize any signs of burnout, please do not ever be ashamed to ask for help. It’s not uncommon for women to experience burnout especially with all of the demands being placed on us. Balancing work and life is such a challenge that is so commonly shared amongst all of us women and we must tackle this head on!
Here are 4 things you can do to get your life balanced again and avoid your own burn out:
Make YOU a priority! This means scheduling some “ME” time into your day. A five minute mediation, journaling, listening to your fave music, a quick walk, coffee with a friend (or alone); design what is best for you and DO IT! Even if it’s a five minute routine, as long as it makes your heart and soul happy!
Leave work at work! If you can, unplug from any work devices during your non-work time. Communication technology is a huge promoter of work stressors inching their way into your family life, vacation and social activities. Turn your work brain off and enjoy your family/friends/me time!
Live your life on purpose! Do what makes you happy! YOU have control over what you allow in your life. You may need to cut out some of those things you are “supposed to do” and replace them with things you “love to do”. My advice: pull out your phone right now, and schedule one activity you love to do. Schedule at least once a week, an activity that you are passionate about, that makes you feel alive. And do it right now, before you let this feeling pass!
Learn to say NO and love it! This single action has probably had the most impact for me, and keeping my life in balance. It’s not always easy to say NO, especially to the people and things we love, but trust me when I tell you that once you start to say NO, it will get easier. My motto: If it doesn’t make you jump for joy, then it should always be a NO.
We only get one life, so enjoy the ride ladies. A few small actions today can help you avoid burning out tomorrow.
Carrie xo