Last month we shed some light on what burnout is all about- why it happens and how to recognize it. This month as promised, I want to share with you some practical steps I’ve been learning, to help me overcome burnout little by little.
As I write this, life hasn’t become any easier but rather it has become more challenging and exhausting. I have never had to lean into the grace of God so much as I have had to in this season. Can any of you relate?
BUT I want to encourage you, as I encourage myself, that this too shall pass and your breakthrough is on the way.
Before we get into it, I came across another definition of burnout that I really liked and wanted to share:
The burnout phenomenon: is a state of fatigue and or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life or relationship that failed to produce the expected reward. (Freudenberger, 1980)
Burnout can actually be seen in various areas of your life and not just your work life.
So how do we work towards overcoming and healing from burnout? How can we prevent it from happening again? Here are 5 practical steps that counselling class, life and the Lord have revealed to me:
- Make a list of your top priority goals/to do list in this season and take one small step at a time to accomplish them. Create an action plan that works for you, one that allows you to rest well and work efficiently.
“Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Dr. Sylvan Puckerin
Remove any distractions or additional things that are adding stress to your life. Remember that you don’t have to do it ALL in this season.
“Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions for the sake of your own health and wellness.” Learn to say no!
- Do not neglect your basic human needs such as eating healthy, moving your body, rest, safety, community etc.
If you are not taking care of your physiological needs, it starts to affect your other needs such as safety needs, love and belonging etc. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs we see how each level depends on the other and when certain needs aren’t met it will affect us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- Make intentional decisions to take moments of rest each day and plan for an upcoming vacation; don’t let guilt ruin your rest. Rest is essential, not idleness.
Remember it is okay to rest, reposition, re-energize and start over if you need to. Your time hasn’t been wasted but it has all been a preparation for the next season. Trust God with your time and your future.
- Rediscover your passions and make time for them. These help to renew your drive for life.
Did you think about “your why”? Why you started this job/business, committed to this relationship, or invested into this cause? What purpose do you believe God has for you in this season? What things are you truly passionate about and why aren’t you doing them?
Being honest with yourself about the answers to these questions is important to finding your “groove back” in this life.
“Be passionate in your pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” – Jennifer Lee
- Lastly, reconnect/stay connected with life giving relationships. These help to re-energize you and encourage you for life’s journey.
Maybe you are in a season where you have been “disconnected” from your tribe or you don’t have the same social support you once had. Ask God to lead and direct you to the right people and relationships for you on this season. Still stay connected with your community via social media or technology as best as possible and please don’t isolate yourself.
Get an accountability partner so that you can encourage and pray for each other regularly. Community plays such an important role in helping to overcoming burnout.
Above all be honest with yourself and your loved ones around you. With where you are at emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually and where you want to be. Be patient with yourself and lean into God’s grace and strength as you work towards healing from burnout.
N.B. Burnout is not a sign of weakness, mental illness or inability to cope with life. Anyone can suffer from burnout.
I hope that this truly helps you in your journey and that in the coming months, we would all become more energetic passionate and inspired in this life.
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