What Your Burnout is Actually Telling You
So you’re burnt out. I get it.
After these last two years, how could you not be? But rather than blaming a global pandemic for your burnout, it’s time to get really honest with yourself. Today, we’re getting to the root of what your burnout is actually trying to tell you.
Inquire
The first step to anything is almost always inquiry. The truth is that you’re the only one who knows what your burnout is actually telling you. You already have what it takes to figure this out – just remember that throughout the process.
The best way I tend to get answers is to grab a good ol’ pen and paper. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
Name your current feelings.
This can be a tough feat right off the bat, so let’s break it down a bit. If you’re unsure which emotions you’re really feeling, I recommend checking out Byron Katie’s list of emotions. I generally go through and read each emotion aloud to myself, then I’m automatically drawn to which emotions are prevalent based on which ones I have a gut reaction to.
Your reaction may be different than mine – watch for things like, a jolt to the heart, a clutching in the chest, a pain in your head. You’re essentially noticing a burst of energy somewhere in your body – whatever that means to you.
Ex. Overwhelmed, anxious, powerless, isolated
When was the first time you remember feeling these same feelings?
There are some instances where I straight up do not remember, and that’s perfectly fine. Disassociation is a real thing, my friends. Just know that you’re not alone.
If you’re having a hard time thinking of the first time you remember feeling the same feeling, think of the last time you felt that way. It might lead you to something useful – our lives generally follow some sort of pattern, so there have been times where I’ve been able to trace back a feeling over and over until I finally found the root.
This may take a while, so don’t expect to get it on the first try every single time.
Ex. I felt overwhelmed when my parents would fight when I was
What are these feelings telling you that you need right now?
I like to write out the emotion(s) I chose in the first practice, take a deep breath to ground into the moment, then ask myself what I’m lacking/needing. I was feeling anxious earlier today, for example, and I could tell that my body was asking me to slow down.
If you’re feeling lonely, there’s a good chance that you’re needing some love and/or connection. Each and every human being is different, so take these examples with a grain of salt. You know you best.
Ex. I need love and some extra self care right now. I need to look at the bigger picture and be told that everything is going to be okay in the end
Listen
My favorite way to listen is to first get quiet.
I’ve heard a teaching that says journaling is how we ask, and meditating is how we get answers. I’ve experienced that myself many times, and I highly recommend you do the same.
Meditation can be intimidating at first, but it’s not so bad. You truly don’t need to know how to meditate. Instead, just place your focus on your breath. You’re not trying to stop your thoughts. You’re just watching them float by like clouds in the sky.
When I truly took the time to listen to what my burnout had to say, I heard it loud and clear.
READ MORE >> How to Slow Down
Act
It’s time to take some serious action. And action can simply be something like: rest, slow down, do less. It’s still an action nonetheless.
It’s time to detox & delegate anything and everything that isn’t serving your highest good. How will you know if something isn’t serving you? Well, that’s when you repeat this entire process: inquire, listen, then act.
Those things you mentioned that you need right now are the key here.
It’s time to give yourself each and every thing you listed. Yep, that’s right. You are fully capable of fulfilling your own needs.
To give you some real life examples, here are the habits I implemented in my own life after inquiring and listening to what my burnout had to tell me.
I need more love.
The pandemic is clearly isolating. After living alone for all of 2020, I needed more love in my life. Instead of seeking outside sources, I looked where I could give myself more love from within. Granted, this will look different for everyone. But the habit I came up with was to tell myself I love myself (and genuinely mean it) each and every time I’d see the numbers “143”. It’s a wonderful reminder for me throughout the day.
I need more self care.
Self care will look different for everyone, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not limited to bubble baths and indulgence. Self care could look like getting some chores done over the weekend so you can start your week with an empty to do list on Monday. It could look like meal prepping. It could look like cleaning up your environment.
No matter what self care looks like for you, I’ve found it to be extremely beneficial to dedicate one night per week to participate in whatever self care activity I’m feeling called to in the moment. Sometimes, all I can muster up the energy to do is stare at the ceiling. And sometimes, that’s exactly what I need.
I need to be told that everything will be okay in the end.
Right before bed, I like to mutter these words to myself. If I’m feeling up to it, I’ll even visualize a future where everything truly is okay. Better than okay, even. I tend to visualize myself surrounded by my own property, animals, and my retreat space. This will most definitely look different for anyone, but it’s a powerful practice that can let the subconscious mind know there are better things to come.
READ MORE >> Ultimate Guide to Slowing Down
The truth is that we don’t need to beat burnout. Perhaps we should try welcoming it with open arms, inviting it in for tea, and listening to what it has to say to us.
