I’m exhausted, confused, feeling like a blank slate. These are my first signs of burnout. I stare at my computer not knowing what to do and not wanting to do a damn thing. Then guess what happens? I start to beat myself up.
“Nobody likes you.”
“You’re a hot mess.”
“Why even bother getting out of bed?”
My burnout turns mean real quick. Have you figured out what yours looks like?
Let Me Save You Time
I’m someone who does the work. I spent 15 consecutive years in therapy until recently when I basically graduated. Seriously, my therapist gave me the “all good.” I journal, meditate, balance my energy, do mindful movement, or some sort of healing work at least 30 minutes a day. When I’m triggered (mostly by our teenage daughter these days), the work can be two hours. Nobody knows the depth of their feelings like me. Bold statement? Maybe, but I’m pretty confident in it. Yet with all of this, burnout still surprises me.
I’m getting better at catching it early. The Hyper-Achiever in me wants to figure out how to prevent it completely. Is this goal possible? Not sure yet. (Give me time and I’ll let you know.)
Considering all of this hard work and insight, I thought it might be helpful to give you some tips to support minimizing your burnout. Just trying to save you time, my friends!
Tip #1: Know Your Human Design
Legit, this changed my world. Once I realized my Type (Projector in the house), it gave me insight into how my energy level works. It gave me permission to rest more and to define rest in a way that fits me. It also encouraged me to take that rest without reaching the level of burnout. AND it supports my decision making when choosing clients. I learned my lesson the hard way when I experienced burnout every other week because of the way I was expected to work that didn’t support my unique design.
Tip #2: Communicate with Someone You Trust
My sister, Tina, and I are back and forth on Marco Polo every day. So she has gotten familiar with my signs and symptoms of burnout and tends to give me the heads up when she sees it. That reminder is a huge help. Now I can pay attention and take action to get back to center. And yes, that action can be rest.
Tip #3: Slow Down
It’s scary, isn’t it? We love this hustle culture of ours. It’s kind of a rush, like an addiction. It makes us feel important and needed. Newsflash – you are important and needed without the hustle. And you’re probably a lot more pleasant to be around when you’re not in the go, go, go mentality. When we slow down, we have the chance to be present and appreciate things in unexpected ways. Try this. Close your eyes and slowly graze your fingertips over your lips. Do it right now please. I’ll wait… Did you realize your lips were that sensitive? It feels so cool! It makes me smile every time.
Tip #4: Be Open to Change
Nobody can make these decisions for you. It has to be you behind the wheel deciding to pull over and have a picnic. If you’re not open to creating positive change in your life, don’t expect that burnout to take a vacation.
I’m currently running a group coaching program called Ignite the Magic. It’s for the person who says, “I don’t have time for myself.” When you make time for yourself, amazing things happen like loving yourself more and minimizing burnout. Sometimes we’ve been ignoring our feelings and ourselves for so long that burnout is a state of being. We no longer recognize who we are without it. Life is so much brighter, though. What’s been really ironic is the people who express interest and then say, “But I just don’t have time.” They haven’t made it to Tip #4, yet. Everyone has their own path to self-care and healing. Like that amazing saying goes, “When you’re ready to learn, a teacher appears.” If and when you’re ready, I’m here to teach.
Update: Ignite the MAGIC is now a self-guided course!
