What To Do When You’re Feeling Burnout

“You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” — Unknown

Chances are you have a lot on your plate. Whether it’s an intense time at work or you’re taking care of family members and a household, we all have times when it feels like our schedule just doesn’t quit.

While it’s totally manageable for a few days or a week, be aware of how much you’re taking on, and recognize when things are getting a little too hectic. Because even if you’re holding it all together right now, it’s only a matter of time before you run out of steam and are heading for burnout.

When your schedule feels a little more go-go-go, be sure to take good care of your mind, body, and spirit and try on these tips to prevent overwhelm and exhaustion:

Take a close look at what’s on your plate. Give yourself five or ten minutes to write out all of your stressors and obligations. Whether it’s an unrelenting boss, a family member who is ill, or a home renovation that’s gone off course, take note of where your time and energy is going.

Share the load. Ask family and friends for help. Outsource and hire who you can. Move tasks and to-dos to another day, week or even month. Do what you can to create even a tiny bit more blank space in your calendar so you can catch your breath and enjoy a little more.

Prioritize rest. Sleep is when we give our minds a chance to slow down and our bodies a chance to restore and recharge. Get in bed an hour earlier, disconnect from screens by dinner time and do what you can to catch good zzzz’s and not skimp on sleep.

Be sure to do one thing for yourself every day. When you give so much to others that you don’t have time or energy to give to yourself it can create resentment – which is never a good thing.

Make it a point to do something each day that allows you a moment to slow down and brings a smile to your face. Block off 20 minutes to read a few pages in a good book, stretch out in a yoga class or soak in a bubbly bath. Give yourself some TLC and make self-care essential.

Like Etty Hillesum said, “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”

Be good to yourself today!

With love,
Emily and the EveryDay Happy Team

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