Burnout Shouldn't Be Glorified
For the longest time, I'd been my own worst enemy when it came to self-care and balance. The classic tale of knowing in theory the importance of self-care, yet constantly feeling overwhelmed.
We've all been there, right? Friends and family would often chime in with advice like "You do too much," "Why don't you take a break?" or "You're going to burn out." And my response? A casual, "Oh, don't worry, I go all-in for a few months, and then I crash. That's just how I roll." As if that was normal – spoiler alert, it's not.
But this year, I decided it was time to change that narrative. As part of my Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 journey towards personal growth, we used the PRINT profile, a tool that dives deep into our unconscious motivators and how they affect our behavior. Surprise, surprise – it turned out that burning myself out was a common trait of my shadow self. It was a reality check I sorely needed, and it served as the much-needed wake-up call to make a change.
Let's take a look at my actual PRINT profile;
These words couldn't be truer, especially in today's hectic and demanding world. I often found myself teetering on the edge of mental burnout, a state I had unknowingly allowed myself to drift into through sheer neglect and overcommitment. In this blog, I'm going to share my journey, the lessons I've learned, and the steps I'm taking to make sure I don't end up in that exhausting place again.
Back to Basics: I started with the fundamentals. Getting enough sleep - I was notorious for "burning the candle at both ends" - nourishing my body with healthy foods, and staying hydrated are essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Neglecting these basics only paves the way for burnout.
Take Breaks: I realised that I was often pushing myself too hard without allowing for breaks. I had to remind myself that I had a lunch hour for a reason. Using that time to recharge is crucial for maintaining focus and energy throughout the day. Similarly, in the evening, not feeling guilty for saying no to plans and taking a night to recharge.
Plan Your Day and Set Boundaries: Planning my day and sticking to my boundaries helped me stay organized and avoid overextending myself. It's essential to say no when necessary and protect your time.
Talk About It: I recently started having Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been a real game-changer for gaining a better understanding and acquiring useful tools to manage stress. But simply sharing my feelings and experiences with a trusted friend can be valuable emotional support. It's okay not to carry the weight of the world on your own shoulders.
Move and Exercise: The gym, for me, is 100% my free therapy. It helps clear my mind, release stress, and boost my mood. Incorporating exercise into my routine has made a significant difference in my mental health. Alongside actively trying to get those steps in throughout the day - shoutout to Vitality's free Apple Watch for the assist!
Journal or Read: Personally, journaling hasn't quite taken off for me, but I do often try to read (or realistically, listen to audiobooks!).
Out-of-Work Commitments: The one I've struggled with the most is learning to balance my work with fun. I'm a "yes" friend, and FOMO is often off the charts when it comes to seeing friends and accepting every invite. But you've got to prioritize rest and not feel guilty for it. It's okay to take a break, watch TV, or simply do nothing. Resting your brain is essential for recharging.
Now, it would be a lie if I said I'm a perfect balancing act 100% of the time. But you know what? Balance looks different to everyone. I've come a long way in my journey to prevent mental burnout. The wake-up call from my PRINT profile made me realise that self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for a healthy, balanced life. So, here's to finding that balance, one step at a time.
