Burnout recovery and me (part 2)

Firstly, I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming response to my previous article on burnout. Opening up about my experiences was daunting, but the support I received reaffirmed my belief in the power of vulnerability. By shedding light on the darker aspects of business, we can foster a sense of community and reduce the isolation often associated with burnout.

In my last article, I shared my journey through burnout and its debilitating symptoms. Now, I aim to delve into the process of recovery. It's crucial to note that my experience is unique, and while these strategies have helped me, seeking professional help is paramount for anyone struggling with burnout.

My journey through burnout began in 2019, triggered by the stress of losing a significant client which led to a spiral of stress and worry eventually loosing the business. While I'll explore this aspect further in future blogs, today, I want to focus on recovery. It's essential to acknowledge that I'm still on this journey, making progress each day.

My journey toward recovery began with a pivotal decision to alleviate the burdensome weight of stress that had consumed me for almost three years. Recognising the toll it had taken on my mental and physical well-being, I knew it was time for a change. While removing the primary stressor didn't immediately halt the burnout, it provided me with a much-needed respite to start the process of healing.?

Contemplating whether to take a break from work after losing the business, I ultimately decided against it, fearing that excessive time would only exacerbate my struggles. For many though a complete break from work is the best option but for me at this time it wasn't due to constant overthinking and self-hatred. I needed to keep busy or feel like I was achieving in some way until I had the strength to be kinder to myself. Instead, I took a job within a supportive work environment. Fortunately, I was surrounded by two wonderful, understanding, and compassionate bosses who prioritised mental health. Their unwavering support, coupled with their encouragement of healthy working habits, proved invaluable to my recovery journey.?Their willingness to accommodate my needs, lend an empathetic ear, and provide flexibility when necessary, played a significant role in my progress. For their support, I am eternally grateful. Moving forward, I am committed to maintaining a balanced approach to work and life, continuing to prioritise my well-being, and seeking support when needed.

During the initial stages of burnout, I attempted to incorporate exercise, meditation, and healthy eating into my routine though initially it was very difficult to maintain. While medication initially seemed like a solution, I ultimately decided to discontinue it due to difficult side effects.

Here are the things that have helped (and continue to help) me recover from burnout:

1.??? Removing Stress: Though far from easy, taking steps to alleviate stress was pivotal in my recovery journey. This involved making tough decisions and prioritising my well-being, even when it felt uncomfortable.

2.??? Self-Compassion: Learning to be kind to myself has been a challenging yet transformative aspect of recovery. Practicing self-compassion allows me to engage in activities that nurture my mind and body, rather than succumbing to self-criticism and avoidance. This however has been the hardest to implement and learn!

3.??? Physical Activity: Movement has been instrumental in managing anxiety and lifting my mood. Whether it's a stroll, gym, a yoga session, or a spontaneous dance in the kitchen! Prioritising daily movement has been a game-changer for me it helps calm down that fight and flight and helps me feel good overall. It’s not easy to maintain especially when you feel exhausted or low but I’m learning to push through and do what I can manage so even if it’s just a small walk it’s better than nothing!

4.??? Nutrition: While navigating burnout, I have grappled with cravings for sugary foods as my body remained in a state of heightened stress. Making healthier food choices has been an ongoing process, but each step towards nutritious eating contributes to my overall well-being. Again, like the exercise, this is harder when I have a bad day (yes, I still have them!) because the cravings get stronger.

5.??? Gratitude Practice: Incorporating a gratitude journal into my daily routine has been a simple yet powerful tool for shifting my focus from negativity to positivity. Starting and ending each day with gratitude has helped me cultivate resilience amidst the challenges of burnout. This small change has made a massive difference and stops the spiralling as it focuses me on the positives and pulls my mind away from the negatives.

Recovery from burnout is an ongoing journey, unique to everyone. While there's no quick fix, implementing these strategies has played a significant role in my healing process. I hope that by sharing my experience, others may find solace and inspiration on their own path to recovery.