What happens when you are everywhere, trying to be everything? Burnout. Or something akin to it. When you are on the verge of burnout, self care is more important than ever… and in today’s society, with (nearly) everyone burning the candle at both ends (so to speak), this conversation is a much needed one.
Defining Burnout
Although I’m sure the dictionary offers a nice, concise definition, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that burnout is probably different for everyone… and not everyone will ever reach that state (even if they come close).
For me, being on the verge of burnout looks like constant exhaustion, lack of motivation, and inability to generate creative or new ideas (at least, without a lot of time and effort).
I don’t care to ever discover what true burnout looks like for me, which is why we are discussing (verge of) burnout self care.
Is (Verge of) Burnout Self Care Different?
Self care is self care is self care… and yet, it’s not.
If you are on the verge of burnout, self care would be less intense than an intervention during or after the actual burnout stage… and again, self care also would look different BEFORE the various stages of burnout.
Too overwhelmed to even consider self care? Check out Overwhelmed? 4 Steps for Managing to break down the “overwhelm” experience and defeat it in simple, easy to manage steps.
So What Does Self Care Look Like Here?
Again, this is going to be different for every person… but I can offer some ideas.
For starters, make a list of what energizes and refreshes you. Things that “fill your cup”, so to speak. This is your starting place. Keep in mind that this COULD be two separate lists… and energizing list, and a refreshing list. They don’t have to be the same.
If you have two lists, just make sure to choose off of BOTH lists, not just one.
My “refreshes” list looks something like:
- reading a good book
- taking a nap
- a slow, relaxed morning with few responsibilities
While my “energizes” list looks something like:
- having a long, in depth, conversation (usually about the future) with someone important to me
- dressing nicely and putting on makeup (makes me feel ready to take on the world)
When you have your lists, practice one or two things each week or MORE often than you think is needed. Most of the time, we think we are filling our cups but truly we are leaving them empty.
If you think it’s time for some self care, it’s probably already past due. Also, the busier you are, the more likely you need to work in some extra “me” time! It’s NOT selfish, it’s necessary… and don’t forget to be assertive and ask for help when needed.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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