Recover From A Burnout #HowToDeal
- Oct 10, 2017
- 3 min read
burn (oneself) out
phrasal verb of burn
adjective: burn-out
1. Ruin one's health or become completely exhausted through over-work.
Taken from online dictionary.
There have been several times I've felt unmotivated, over-whelmed and under an enormous amount of pressure. Today, I wanted to share some tips on how to overcome being burnt out. I also get more into this topic on my podcast and YT channel. Check those out and share this post if you find it helpful ;)
1. Notice When You're Feeling Stressed
Something I've done in the past especially when I'm over-working myself and have come completely blind to it, is continue to work until I'm thoroughly exhausted. Not being present or in tune with how I'm feeling.
Have you ever got lost in a hobby? Started some work and felt your stomach rumbling and hear it roaring again hours later then think, "I forgot to eat."
I've been there. Or feeling a headache coming on and mindlessly ploughing away anyway without stopping to get up, maybe drink some water and grab an aspirin or simply... go outside for a minute.
In my opinion, the worst thing to do is ignore these small signs your body is signaling to you.
It's fine to feel a bit of stress but it's the way we respond to it that really matters.
2. Take Things Slow
If you find yourself at the point of feeling like there's no return, take things slow and don't take on any new commitments. If things are a little out of hand at the moment, don't bring on any more stress. Tell people, "No." This answer is something you'll feel grateful about later on when you've felt like you've stretched yourself thin and just need to get back on track.
It's simply about self care. You can add more into your schedule later when you start to feel better, but for now, hold off.
An example I'll share, was a week where I knew I had a lot going on. Kyle and I were moving the next day and I had a lot of engagements I wanted to attend that week and projects with a few brands due as well. Just thinking about the oncoming week made me a bit nervous and honestly, freaked out.
The day before Kyle and I were going to move, I was at my computer, responding to emails, finishing up editing videos I wanted to make live during the week and various other work amidst stacks of boxes all around me.
Then, I got an exciting email from a brand I love. The only thing was, they had a pressing deadline on a campaign coming up that week. I stressed about it for about 20 minutes... thinking, this is a lot but I could do it! I could do it! It was for a video project for my YT channel.
I would have to dig out my camera bag and go grab my tripod (that was already at the new apartment as well as my soft box lights), film that day plus edit and send the thing and yeah... no big deal.
I turned it down. I was already working on several projects during this time and taking on anything else just felt ridiculous. It would have been humanly impossible (damn you 24 hours! There should be 2,165 in a day!)
3. Analyze Your Current Situation & Make Changes
The thing I like about realizing something's not working, is realizing I can change anything and feel hopeful about the future again. When I've felt over-whelmed and I'd rather bury myself in the couch under blankets and pillows and binge on Netflix and say, "Screw the world! I'm done with it!"
I also think about how I can make this time in my life better. Maybe what I'm doing currently isn't working and I like figuring out what it is and what I can do about it.
I like giving myself some lay around and do nothing time but I also really like getting back into my schedule and working.
Once you figure out the root of the problem, you can go from there and find a solution.
If you'd like to hear another example where I bring up a work related experience before I became a full-time blogger, listen to my newest podcast here ;) It's pretty short at the moment but each week, I'd like to make my chattier podcast longer.
Hope you found this post helpful, let me know what you think in the comments!
XOXO
SARAH
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