Burnout is a state of (extreme) physical and emotional exhaustion. It is when you're unable to manage work and life stress.
Burnout is real. I experienced it myself.
It took me 9 months to heal. And I had a lot of self-examination to do, along with A LOT of self-love and care. It was an uphill battle the whole time.
I never want to experience it again. And I won't, because I'm different now. (Thanks to coaching!)
I'll tell you what I felt after giving waaaaayyyy to much to people in my life (clients and personal relationships) but leaving little, if anything, for myself.
I felt extremely exhausted. I felt like I was helpless. I felt very overwhelmed and defeated (even though I had big work wins!). I felt alone in the world and detached from joyous events happening around me.
I procrastinated to the point of disliking myself. I had a lot of self-doubt. And I didn't talk to myself in a kind manner.
What I wish I knew at that time was how to create work-life harmony. Some people call it work-life balance, life-life balance, etc.
There's a lot more I would've said "No" to.
Work-Life harmony is just integrating work and life without causing undue stress on your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Work-life harmony reduces unhealthy stress, improves mental health and may prevent chronic pain, hypertension and digestive issues.
We are more than just 2 things that need to be in “balance.” We are multi-faceted beings.
Therefore, I choose the word “harmony” because I believe that the demands of work can be harmonized with all parts of ourselves and all parts of our lives.
Searching for balance is a part of what sent me into burnout! Balance means 50-50 but harmony keeps me dancing and humming; accepting and integrating all of me.
With a life harmonized, you can:
Sleep and eat well
Take rest, health and play days
Set boundaries around work and other activities
Say No to things that don’t serve you
Delegate what drains you or things that would free up your time
Meet deadlines and obligations easily
Manage stress levels by regulating your nervous system and creating self-care/self-love protocols
Prioritize your health and wellness
Spend your time and money on what’s important and valuable to you
Detach from outcomes and enjoy the journey that is yours
Have time to be in community with others
Increase in self-awareness, understanding your changing needs, making decisions
Take personal responsibility and allow others to do the same
Stop the procrastination and perfectionistic cycle
Allow yourself to FEEL and begin accepting those "shadowy" parts of self
Gain the confidence to make changes, when necessary, in your life
Understand that we’re working against the culture when we endeavor to achieve work-life harmony. We stand out, we go against the norm, we choose to not participate in the “hustle” culture.
We're deciding to choose what is important and get off the hamster wheel.
And it’s scary at first. You'll wonder if you’ll still get ahead. You'll wonder if there really is another way. You'll wonder if you can make the changes necessary and actually create the life you want to live.
It’s not easy. I ain’t gonna lie.
Starts small. Do one thing and then the next thing, remembering that baby steps are steps.
And through the successes and failures, one day you’ll look back and rejoice over how far you’ve come and how you have changed!!
Begin by taking stock. What are your values? What do you feel is important?
What actions (additions and deletions) would make your life better?
Use the 8 Dimensions of Wellness as a guide and make a list of wellness items for each and choose one or two as priorities. It’s what I did to begin my journey to harmony.
Then do them, one at a time.
Set the boundaries and stick to them. See that the world doesn’t end, you don’t die and you still have a few friends.
Delegate and delete.
Say what you want to say out loud.
Practice managing stress – breathwork techniques, meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, somatic movement, affirmations
Rest and take the PTO!
If you’re feeling burned out, helpless, lacking boundaries and consideration for yourself, unclear of how to create harmony in your life...
I can help you through a coaching partnership.
Where are you now and where do you want to go? What do you need to release so you can take the next step?
Book a free consultation and let's talk about it. Everyone's recovery is unique to them and their situation. Let's tailor a path specifically for you.
March 2023 has been all about Occupational Wellness. Occupational Wellness is when you are living with passion, purpose and ease in your chosen profession. You use your gifts, skills and talents in your occupation and you are open to explore and pursue opportunities that aligns with your needs for satisfaction, enrichment and meaning through your work.
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