Making Yourself a Priority

I never thought the day would come where I hit burnout. I teach ways to manage stress, self-care and mindfulness but yet here I am burnt out

Burnout didn’t look like what I thought. I didn’t wake up one day and realize I’m burnt out; it was more gradual. Owning my business was great but I found myself taking on more than I could handle. I double and triple booked myself, I found myself traveling more than being home and all at the time of being in the middle of menopause.

I was technically doing everything right. I worked out 4 times a week, I meditate daily, gratitude checks, plenty of water, very little alcohol or caffeine but yet I couldn't sleep, and I wasn't feeling happy.

One day I realized I was just so exhausted I started canceling plans, giving away jobs to others and just feeling numb. I didn’t think I could ever feel numb with burnout, I expected stress, anxiety, worry etc. but not numb but there I was exhausted and just not caring anymore. I knew I had to make a change before my body did it for me.

The signs are there. They might not look like everyone else’s, but they are there. If you choose to ignore and avoid, they will get worse until you have no choice.

If you feel like you are burning out watch for these signs:

Fatigue- feeling tired physically and emotionally.

Feeling apathetic - you feel like what's the point of even getting out of bed. Everyday seems like ground hog day.

Headaches

Changes in appetite and/or sleep

Feeling overwhelmed

Feeling bored and unchallenged

Make your version of self-care a reality- what does self-care look like for you? Is it eating better? Spending time alone? Sharing your stories with others?

Reduce your expectations if your expectations are unrealistic and hurting you.

Schedule “off” time - this is where you have nothing to do! For the type A personalities, you're grasping for air with the thought of doing nothing but it’s so important to learn to do nothing and no guilt afterwards.

Commit to your basic needs being met- make sure you are getting enough sleep, water, eating a healthy diet and exercise.

Book something once a month if not more that you can look forward to that makes you feel good

Boundaries, which was my hardest! Set your work schedule and walk away during off hours

Look at your life and ask yourself are you living the life you want? what is missing?

For more information visit: www.dianelang.org or email [email protected]