Yeah, we’re talking about it.
Hi, Hearthfolk,
Episode One has officially been released to the world, and the topic might feel a bit heavy for some people around the time of year. I know that it was for me for sure when I began talking about.
Giving something a name gives you power over it – or so I believe. So let’s talk about it.
Life Burnout
Burnout is defined as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged, unmanaged stress, often workplace-related.”
While the typical burnout is usually related to work, it is not only applicable to your life in your career. Life burnout functions in the exact same way but is an accumulation of the unmanaged stress in multiple pieces of your life.
Across any type of burnout, the symptoms are the same:
- Persistent fatigue
- Emotional exhaustion/mood swings
- Cynicism
- Headaches
- Sleep issues
- Appetite changes
- Feelings of being overwhelmed/detached
And honestly, that’s not as thorough of a list because I’m sure everyone experiences it differently with varying symptoms.
I think the worst part about this type of burnout is truly that it takes a toll on the relationships you have as well as just your productivity. Especially when it hits during the winter season which is a time when people tend to have seasonal depression and there are a ton of holidays where we’re spending time with family and friends.
Ways To Cope
I mentioned a few options for rituals to help you work through some of the issues like journaling or sitting quietly while you scan your body.
But honestly, I’m gonna tell you 100% it is okay to just lay on the couch or bed, veg out while watching your favorite show, and recoup/cope that way.
There is nothing wrong with a downtime evening. Or you can do what I did recently where I stayed in bed til noon over the weekend and just let my body rest. I hated not feeling productive but let me tell you that it most definitely helped reset me for the week.
Also, find small things to help you through it all is also great. Escapism is okay, darling. You don’t need anyone’s permission to just take a few minutes to escape if you need it.
Little Rituals I Use
Besides letting myself bed rot when I feel that I need it, I tend to lean really deeply into my little rituals – which we will expand on the difference I see between Rituals and Habits in a later episode.
My skincare routine is more ritual than anything. While yes, skincare routines are important, it can also be a great little grounding ritual first thing in the morning as well as a great way to zen out in the evening. I always do more of my face massage in the evening because it helps me relax.
Additionally, I’ll settle in for the evening a read a book I’ve been enjoying because it gives my brain a chance to shut down and relax. It’s even better if I light a candle and just chill out in some low light while I read.
In the end of it all….
Doing the self-care thing is one of my favorite outlets to actually combating the burnout symptoms as well as reminding myself that it’s okay to lean into what grounds me to the world around me.
And I also won’t complain about having friends come over who will just sit with me while we watch a movie so I can just be.
If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, just click the button below and check it out.
Until our next cup of tea,
Trula Marie
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