While you’ll feel compelled to charge forward it’s often a gentle step back that will reveal to you where you and what you truly seek.
~ Rasheed Ogunlaru

 

Burnout can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, we have become a society where overdoing it is a badge of honor. We believe being hard on yourself is the way to be. But while we strive for excellence, is it at the cost of our mental and physical well-being?

Before we reach the breaking point, it’s important to recognize when doing nothing is healthy and when exhaustion signals something worth exploring.

Burnout can sometimes occur because of depression and anxiety disorders. Because some symptoms overlap, it’s essential to understand the difference. Burnout is typically work-related, whereas depression can be in all areas of one’s life. People with burnout don’t always have depression, yet it could lead to depression in some.

Recognizing the signs that we’re approaching that limit is essential to a balanced, productive, and joyful life. Though our thresholds vary, we all have tipping points. So, how do we know when to take a timeout?

Signs of Burnout

General apathy. We are exhausted all of the time, both physically and mentally zapped.

Our attention is scattered. We feel restless and struggle to concentrate on even the simplest tasks.

Isolation. We want to withdraw into our world or feel alienated from others.

Short-tempered. Activities that once brought delight no longer hold our attention. We have become overly irritable, cynical, impatient, and pessimistic.

We chronically feel unwell. Sore throats, headaches, muscle aches, or catching every bug floating around can signal a weakened immune system. Frequent illness may signal excessive stress.

The desire to self-medicate. Pouring ourselves a cocktail because we “really need it,” or finding ourselves reaching for a particular substance more often than usual. Thoughts of this escape dominate the day, and it may interfere with other social interactions.

How to take a Pausitive Timeout

First:

Decide you want to find a balance in life. It requires a mindset shift. Ram Dass describes burnout as a state of mind that requires adjusting how we process our thoughts.

For some people, letting go of the pressures that keep us going can bring guilt. Guilt is a powerful emotion that can take control. Seek professional help if you are finding it difficult to let go of these thoughts.

Acknowledge it’s okay. It’s also OK to stop and realign priorities or alter your course completely. Often, clarity comes when we slow down and stop. The pause is positive. Stop, look, and listen to see what is next for the journey.

Commit to yourself: your well-being outweighs those persistent thoughts telling you to do more.

Redefine what success means to you. What do you want in life? For example, if you reach financial goals yet lack fulfillment in family and relationships, and are materially abundant but spiritually empty, success without satisfaction isn’t success.

Find ways to delegate some responsibilities. Not everything we do needs 100% attention each moment. Discerning what’s essential while maintaining the integrity of our commitment is integral to preventing burnout.

Next:

Turn off electronics and go outside into nature. Less noise = less stress. Less rushing = less anxiety.

Enjoy time with family and friends to reset.

Find your inner focus. Meditation, breathing techniques, tai chi, and yoga are a few ways to create a positive timeout.

Signs you are on the Right Track

Your self-awareness has changed. You are better at shifting your focus, stopping urges to overdo, and feeling satisfied with timeouts, quiet time, or fun activities away from your obligations.

Your impulse to overdo has decreased. Instead, it has been replaced with greater pleasure in not doing, and relaxing no longer feels like a betrayal of yourself.

Taking a pause is a healthy and necessary part of our busy lives. We attract what we put our focus on. It is possible to change, reprograming our minds to draw what is needed. Sacrificing our well-being is counterproductive to checking everything off our to-do list.

Take the timeout. Start integrating steps now to avoid needing a complete stop later. Allow time to withdraw and restore your energy. What makes a difference in life is not how much we do. Instead, the difference comes from how we contribute to our lives and community. Do less, live more.

But what happens when you work hard at something unfulfilling? It drains your spirit. It robs you of your life force. You end up depleted, depressed and angry. – Oprah Winfrey