Diagnosis: Burnout    

/

There are infinite ways to describe “how to” create healthier holiday meals with little time or “5 ways to” reduce holiday stress. But you can google those concepts. Will you actually carry out these tips to simplify this crazy 2020 season?

Here’s the thing: we all want to change our ways because we know that mastering certain habits of mind, behavior, diet, sleep, relaxation, etc. will help us improve and we want to be inspired toward self-mastery. Becoming better versions of ourselves energetically ripples out and benefits our family, friends and neighbors, co-workers and the greater community.

But we stay the same because we wake up every single day living in the past – we think about our past experiences and emotions, fall prey to mental chatter; and the day becomes a repeat of the day before, the week before, the year before. We’re neurologically programmed that way.

Suddenly, we’re in the last month of a poignantly challenging year, and we’re still the same:, irritated, tired, anxious, overworked and overwhelmed. And yet, we’re also optimistic: about a better future, deeper connections, the blessings of slowing down.

So why do we continue operating on overdrive?

Despite mood disorders, loneliness, and many other potential symptoms of societal norms - heightened by a confusing pandemic - we’re mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted with chronic frustrations of daily life. The to-do list never ends. The mail piles up. Dust-bunnies collect everywhere. We work our butts off, yet we feel unproductive, unmotivated and useless. This “hamster wheel” is now a medical diagnosis: “burnout”.

Burnout is defined by exhaustion, depletion, feeling distanced, negative and ineffective. But here’s the kicker, the World Health Organization specifies that “burnout” is only applicable to workplace problems.

Seriously, how many of us truly separate work from the rest of our lives? More than ever, we’re juggling the work challenges with home life, zooming ourselves into professional meetings while our minds are preoccupied with our kids’ online lessons, solo activities during class quarantine, or how we’re going to possibly finish our workload in time to relax before prep (and we’re still wearing pajamas).

As a solo entrepreneur, my work and my personal life have always been intricately entwined. That’s probably why I’ve been burned out for so long and, thankfully, healed from it. But in this pandemic climate, everyone is struggling harder to letting go of work demands, stress and negativity when we get home (assuming we ever left). There are no clear work-life boundaries and, therefore, it’s impossible to separate work burnout from life burnout.

Burnout equates to nutritional, mental, emotional (and I’ll add spiritual) depletion from increasingly stressful work demands. Anyone feeling that? It’s also a disconnect from what used to bring us joy or what used to get us amped up every day. We’re distanced, stuck in/by the system, and inefficient at seemingly everything.  

Interestingly, the WHO doesn’t have a method to heal from burnout. I do, because that’s what I do. Nutrition is effective only when burnout is alleviated.  

Please, acknowledge that burnout is a real concern. Then, right now, consider one thing contributing to your burnout that you can actually let go of or change.

“What’s that one thing", you ask? It could be as simple as

  • Getting more sleep, which sounds simple, but may not be. Then, maybe wake up early enough for even 15 minutes of meditation. Let go of whatever inhibits an early bed time.

  • Turning off all devices (yes, even cell phones and especially social media) 2 hours before bed. Let go of the need to mindlessly scroll.

  • Drinking a full glass of water before morning coffee and limiting coffee to 2 cups. This is all about letting go of the need for caffeine (or habits) to get you going.

  • Consuming sugar only once per day (and reveling in it) vs. incrementally and unconsciously throughout the day without pleasure. Try not to let cravings overtake you.

  • Consuming alcohol only 1x/week (or letting it go, completely).

  • Replacing bread with veggies. Let go of the reliance on simple carbs (this is an extension of excess coffee, sugar and alcohol - substances that give immediate pleasure, but contribute to depletion).

  • Setting new time/work boundaries, such as no one disturbs us between 8 and 11 am (then focus and set your phone to “do not disturb”). Let go of multitasking.

  • Taking 10 minutes to walk outside or move our bodies midday (for those of us who spend copious amounts of time on the computer). Let go of work for a bit to refresh yourself.

  • Expressing gratitude daily in a journal, at meals, for your abundances - this is more powerful than ever during such a tumultuous time. Let go of scarcity mentality.

  • Letting the dishes and laundry pile up; wash dishes once per day and laundry when you run out of underwear. Let go of the need to have everything it its place all the time.

These are just a few ideas, yet the possibilities are endless. Choose one thing. Write it down. Commit. Ask your family for support or find an accountability buddy. If needed, seek guidance to actually deal that one thing. Then, keep it up for 21 days in a row (that time frame changes your brain waves and creates lasting habit change).

I know we can do this. My one commitment: going outside every single day at noon to let the sun shine on my third eye and taking time to breath in the cold, clear air. Movement, maybe. Sunshine, definitely.

  

If you’re challenged with the many effects of burnout, please know that this is my area of focus with extensive training and experience. Perhaps a simple discovery call is a great way to embark on your pathway to heal from exhaustion and overwhelm. Send me a message to schedule a free call.

RESOURCES

https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/129180281