You juggle careers, families, personal passions – the hat collection grows, but the energy goes bye bye. Feeling utterly drained, depleted, and perpetually on the verge of tears? You might not be just exhausted, you might be experiencing burnout. That's right, friend. The other "b" word.
Burnout isn't just feeling tired. It's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, otherwise known as...life. It doesn't discriminate – nearly half of working women report experiencing it, with mothers and entrepreneurs even more susceptible.
What pushes us to this point? The villains are many:
- Unrealistic expectations: We hold ourselves to superhuman standards, forgetting we're not Wonder Woman (actually we are, but like the one who always needs a break)
- Lack of boundaries: Work bleeds into personal life, leaving no room for rest or rejuvenation. 24 hour accessibility plays a huge role in this.
- Societal pressures: "Hustle Culture" glorifies busyness over well-being, making self-care seem indulgent.
- Internal pressure: Perfectionism, guilt, and fear of failure keep us pushing past our limits.
How do you know if you're teetering on the edge?
Mentally, you might experience:
- Constant exhaustion: No matter how much sleep you get, you completely feel wiped out.
- Cynicism and negativity: Everything loses its spark, even tasks you once enjoyed. The joy and zest for life has disappeared.
- Emotional numbness: You feel disconnected from your feelings, unable to experience joy or excitement. You literally just go through the motions.
- Reduced concentration: Staying focused at work or home becomes a struggle.
- Increased irritability: You snap at loved ones or colleagues for seemingly minor things, often confused with PMS or hormones.
Physically, you might experience:
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness, neither leaving you feeling rested.
- Weakened immune system: You're more susceptible to illness.
- Loss of appetite or unhealthy eating habits: Comfort food becomes a coping mechanism. Get in my belly!
- Decreased libido: Intimacy loses its appeal.
If left unchecked, burnout can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses.
- Substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
- Strained relationships: Your patience wears thin, affecting connections with loved ones.
- Decreased productivity and engagement at work.
The good news? We're not powerless. Recognizing the signs and taking action is critical.
Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Embrace radical self-care: It's not selfish, it's essential. Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and activities that bring you joy, even if it's just 10 minutes of quiet reading. Remember, a full cup pours more freely.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no, delegate tasks, and disconnect from work outside of work hours. Your time and energy are precious, protect them fiercely. When you say yes to everyone else, you're saying no to yourself.
- Seek support: Connect! Connect! Connect! Talk to a therapist, find your tribe, or have a vent sesh with friends. You don't have to go through this alone.
Remember, you're not Wonder Woman. You're a human with needs and limitations. By prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries, and embracing self-care, you can prevent burnout and reclaim the joy, energy, and fulfillment that deserve to be a part of your life.
Don't be reactive, be proactive and recognize that if you're feeling any of this, the time is coming. Life full speed ahead is not sustainable. It's a definite recipe for burnout. Start choosing yourself, one small step at a time.
Make sure you're following me in all the places where I can help you connect and share more info with you on how to protect your peace and reconnect with yourself outside of doing allllll the things. I'm here cheering you on and offering you all the support you deserve. Be sure to sign up for the weekly Unwind to get curated content right to your inbox.
Instagram
Tik Tok
Facebook
Pinterest
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for weekly chit chat on all things self care, mental wellness and lifestyle!
