Emotionally Exhausted?
Years ago, cartoonist Al Capp created a character for his satirical comic strip Li’l Abner by the name of Joe Btfsplk. Joe was an ordinary, well-meaning guy with a small dark rain cloud perpetually hovering over his head head symbolizing the negativity that surrounded him.
Have you ever felt that way? Have you felt that way lately? I have. Loyal LifeMap members know at least two things about me. I am an optimist and I’m also a newshound. But events around me are starting to take a toll. Two international wars that I care very much about and upon which I have no influence. An endless national campaign characterized by nightmarish imagery, infantile insults, and outright vulgarity. Not to mention back-to back natural disasters with hundred-year floods and Category 5 hurricanes that have left many homeless families who have lost everything they’ve ever worked for and - worst of all - injured thousands and killed hundreds.
I’m emotionally exhausted just writing this stuff down and I’m sure for some just reading this causes those same feelings to surface. Like me, you may be feeling drained from a confluence of social events, natural disasters, combined with conflicting demands from work or caregiving, or financial stressors, or health challenges. What you may be experiencing is emotional exhaustion.
Emotional exhaustion expresses itself in many ways: emotionally, intellectually, or physically, both at home and at work. Emotionally you may be more worried, anxious, apathetic, nervous, or irritable. Intellectually you may be more negative, or forgetful, lack focus, or be less motivated.? Physically one way or another your sleep, or appetite, or gastrointestinal system may be affected. At work or home, you may have difficulty starting or finishing tasks, may be distracted, work more slowly, let deadlines slip, let common chores build up.
These symptoms may come and go. They may pile up on top of each other. They might strike you at a particular time of day or as a result of a particular stimulus. Perhaps a family member or caring friend may point them out to you. In any event, below are some thoughts to help you deal with any emotional exhaustion you may be experiencing. And if any of these symptoms continue to distress you, seek the assistance of a trained and licensed mental health professional.
Paths Forward
? Focus on your diet. Note any changes. Seek a balance of nutritious foods. Hydrate.
? Monitor your sleep. Set and maintain a regular schedule. Retire a beat-up pillow. Lay off the screen time well before bedtime. Add a pleasant scent. (No candles at bedtime.)
? Give your brain a break. Try meditating, worry beads, rosary beads or other meditative techniques or prayer.
? Share your intrusive thoughts. A good listener can be a friend, family member, clergy person, someone feeling the same kinds of things you’re dealing with. Yes, even a pet.
? Identify specific stressors. Minimize or eliminate them. They could be email, texts, certain TV, or radio programs. Both tact and kindness are required if a stressor is a specific person.
? Start a gratitude journal. Even a few, short words or thoughts can help you focus on what is working for you.
? Move. No! Not scrubbing, painting, bailing, raking, lugging, working on repairs. The goal is 10-15 of slow, relaxing exercise like swimming or walking or yoga will help you unwind – which is the goal.
LifeMap(sm): Take good care of yourself. You’re worth it.