Burnout is BACK-What now?
Years ago, I was utterly blindsided by burnout. I was a busy OB/Gyn with twin toddlers, but it wasn’t until a severe back injury that the scales finally tipped, and I had no choice but to slow down.
We’re so used to the push, driving towards the next goal, and overcoming the next obstacle that it is all too common for burnout to sneak upon us. Before we know it, even the simplest of tasks feel impossible, and the desire to sleep the day away is all-consuming.
For years I’ve advocated for reducing the physical and mental effects of stress. Through 1:1 mentorships, courses, and memberships, I’ve helped others turn the corner and get their energy and happiness back!
What I didn’t expect is to get the burnout back myself.
My unique season of life brings its challenges- travel for my daughter’s basketball dreams, caring for my elderly parents, running my own company, and of course, the unique pressures from the challenges we’re all facing in these times.
As I experience the symptoms again, I’m reminded how serious burnout feels. I’m given a refreshed perspective on the struggle my clients deal with daily. And here’s what I’m doing about it...
Step 1: Recognize
Spotting burnout isn’t tricky. My clients with burnout aren’t surprised at all when I bring it up. It is essential to recognize the symptoms as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
Burnout can manifest in many different ways. For me, it started with exhaustion upon waking. I went from not needing an alarm clock to struggling to drag myself out of bed with one. I started getting an afternoon energy slump, craving rest midday. And to get through it, I was reaching for far more caffeine than usual.
Simple things began to feel too hard. I couldn’t finish a workout, and even lifting my arms felt heavy. In exhaustion, I started to rely on convenience foods to quickly and easily get through meals. Everything felt hard.
Some other symptoms of burnout you may experience are:
Anxiety
Detachment
Lack of Creativity
Fatigue
Brain Fog
Low Mood
Irritability
Anger
Loss of Purpose
Frustration
Exhaustion
General Malaise (feeling unwell)
GI Issues
Sleep Issues (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Do any of these symptoms feel familiar? If so, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Make a Plan
So it’s confirmed, you have burnout. It’s important to note here that overcoming your burnout is vital for your happiness and physical body. Extended periods of stress can cause damage to the body at a cellular level. Keep this in mind as you formulate a plan and ask your loved ones for help.
Become aware of stress triggers. This is where I suggest you start journaling. List out all of the things on your mind. What is required of you daily? What do you stress about? What do you worry about? List these items out so you can get them out of your mind.
Next, prioritize your stressors. What can you delete? What can you delegate? What can you downsize or delay? Sometimes it’s a matter of talking to your loved ones and asking for help. Sometimes it’s a matter of realizing the issue can be pushed back to another time. I encourage you to considerately cut things out that don’t serve you for your health and happiness.
Strategic supplementation will be so helpful. I always suggest taking a B Complex, Magnesium, and Vitamin D supplement, whether you’re in burnout or not. But once stress takes a physical toll on the body, it’s time to add some extra support. My favorites are L-Theanine and Ashwagandha (or similar adrenal gland adaptogen) to mitigate the effects of stress on the body, thus helping you stop the stress cycle.
Have healthier snacks available. If you’re like me and find yourself reaching for something quick and simple in place of a meal, it’s time to make a nutrition plan that feels easy. Unhealthy foods intensify burnout symptoms. Ditch the processed convenience food for healthier options such as carrots, peppers, fruits, and nuts.
If you need a concrete plan to help simplify things without added pressure or guilt, I highly suggest checking out my BodyBOOST Method!
Step 3: Have Grace
This is a season of forgiveness. It’s time to slow down, ask for help, and take the pressure off yourself. I believe burnout is a way for our bodies to show us balance in everyday life. And to stop the cycle, the balance must be prioritized.
You’re not alone. So many women are struggling with the reemergence of burnout nowadays. Together we can overcome so much!
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“Burnout occurs when your body and mind can no longer keep up with the tasks you demand of them.”