How I’m avoiding burnout in 2023

We are now a month into 2023. Let’s check in: How are you feeling?

Something I’m trying to be better at this year is checking in with myself on a regular basis. I want to make sure that I’m operating at a sustainable pace, which I’ve struggled to do in past years. This year, I don’t want to get anywhere near burnout, and I’ve learned I need to dedicate time to pause and think about how I’m doing every so often.

I’m so committed to avoiding burnout, in fact, that I’m going to do something I’ve always wanted to do but that is way outside my comfort zone. At the end of March, I’m going to a retreat in Mexico all by myself. The retreat is designed to help me unplug and connect with myself: I won’t be using technology at all. I’ll be walking on the beach, coloring seashells, spending time outside, reading, resting. There may be other retreat attendees, but if so, we can choose to keep to ourselves and spend our time solo, which is what I’ll be doing. 

I intentionally scheduled this in advance because of what happened in Q1 2022: I hit the ground running after the holiday break, and I operated at a pace that wasn’t sustainable. I got close to burnout. Knowing that, I intentionally created time for myself at the end of Q1 to pause, and my hope is that it will help me stay in alignment with myself and with my goals.

But here’s the thing: The thought of doing this retreat absolutely terrifies me. Eight days in a foreign place completely by myself, disconnected from the world?! Potentially being with other strangers?! But because it terrifies me, that’s how I knew I needed to sign up for it. I know I need to actually get away and unplug, and sometimes I resist that. (And please don’t worry—the retreat is safe. I know of two people who have done it and highly recommend it!)

I think that when it comes to taking breaks, we’re not always mindful of what we really need to do to refuel. Stepping away from our work for a few days doesn’t always cut it. Sometimes we take vacations or do things that are exhausting, and that’s how we get to “I need a vacation after my vacation.” I can definitely relate to this: I often feel torn between spending time with family or traveling to visit friends while I have the opportunity. But I try to be mindful of the fact that yes, I have time off from work, and sometimes, it’s okay to fill that time with friends, family, and activities. But if what I really need is to re-energize, I have to make sure I’m getting restorative solo time. For my upcoming break in March, I want to spend that time doing what I need to do for myself. And depending on how this retreat goes (I have a feeling it will go very well), maybe I will commit to doing something like it at least once a year. At the very least, I intend to take intentional time for myself during breaks a few times per year. It may not always look the same, but I want to be mindful to pause and create that space for myself.

Maybe you need time to yourself, too, but you feel torn like I sometimes do. I would encourage you to honor that feeling. If ever you stumble upon a retreat or an opportunity to do something by yourself that scares you, what would happen if you stepped outside of your comfort zone and did it? Perhaps it could be the best thing for you and your well-being.

But there’s no need to jump right into eight-day solo retreats. That isn’t the only way to avoid hitting burnout. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together some reflection questions for you to think about:

• What does your ideal day look like? Can you schedule that kind of day on your calendar at least once in the next two months?
• Are you giving yourself enough time to rest and re-energize throughout the day? How can you create more margins in your schedule?
• If you have PTO, are you using it? Can you take a few days off in the next two months, even if it’s just for a staycation?
• When was the last time you did a calendar audit? Can you look at your calendar and make a list of the things you want to stop doing?
• What tasks are currently draining your energy? Is there anyone who can help you with those tasks? Who can you ask for support?

I hope these questions get you thinking about how you can keep your well-being front and center and avoid hitting burnout in 2023!

Big hugs,

Kristen