Burnout as a stress reactor

As it appeared to be, many people are experiencing burnout due to their stressors aggressively taking over their lives more and more these days. What we don’t realize is that we are burnt out, simply thinking we are tired. It’s partially true. Living to work is not what anyone wants to do but that’s how the majority of us feels. Don’t we?

Why do you feel burnt out in the first place? Well, if you have a job that doesn’t make you feel accomplished, fulfilled and happy, that could answer the question. Although, if you love your job but what you do outside of work doesn’t bring you pleasure, that could be it, too. At times our goals or their absence can drastically affect our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Some people believe they are on a hamster wheel 24/7, some fight through their days as if there were no way out. It doesn’t have to be like that!

What I noticed is we find time to tell ourselves how miserable our lives are, how little we have accomplished and how much we could’ve done instead. I have bad news for you! If you found the time to say those things to yourself, you didn’t really “want’ to find the time to tell yourself the opposite. Sorry.

Put your phone away. It’s adding to your burnout.

What do I mean by saying your phone is adding to your burnout? It’s very simple. Our phone is our distraction, just like TV. Think of how much time you spend on social media during your break or lunch at work, or when you come home. I’ve never heard anyone say “five minutes”. I will say that people who have successful businesses don’t even have anything in their homes and I see why.

This video made by Alex Becker explains what it took him to become who he is today. His words bring a lot of value, and if you take the time to listen to what he says, you will understand why I deem this relevant.

But I deserve a break, not a burnout!

I’m not arguing that. The moment we get home, we feel like we deserve a distraction. We work hard and the desire for an immediate reward is floating in our heads. Scrolling through social media, reading news, watching funny videos on YouTube “heals your soul”. I get that. I’ve been there. Is that what’s going to fix your burnout? Not really.

The sooner you realize what actually is causing your burnout, the faster you can start taking steps to eliminate it. Besides, you don’t have to live with it forever and you don’t have to be a corpse that wakes up every day, hoping to go to bed soon. It isn’t easy to flip the switch and start living your life differently. This process takes time, and it’s ok. At least you’ll have something to work towards — what can make you happy.

There are some tips I discovered on my own journey with burnout and I found them helpful. I would like to share them with you.

How to deal with burnout:

• Tip #1: Determine what makes you feel burnt out. Write it down;

• Tip #2: Get rid of your distractions (social media, TV etc.);

• Tip #3: Now that you have more time, think of what you enjoy (excluding the things that were distracting you);

• Tip #4: If you had a chance to turn your passion/hobby into your daily job, would you?

• Tip #5: In case you said yes, write down your ideas on what you need to know/do to make it possible;

• Tip #6: If you said no, you should really consider the “yes” option. Just kidding! In case your passion is what caused your burnout, give yourself a break even if your schedule seems incredibly busy. Pause your brain during your breaks and lunches. Take a deep breath. Talk to your boss and ask for some time off. If you are the boss, take the time off. Help yourself! What you do is supposed to be making you, not breaking you (by “making” I mean “improving”);

• Tip #7: Try taking up a new hobby. If you clear up your schedule, you should have time to pause your brain and contemplate what’s best for you;

• Tip #8: When I was talking about distractions, I meant things that were purposelessly taking away your time. Whatever your interests are, you can always read books or blogs, listen to audiobooks or podcasts and that also will help you expand your knowledge on the topics you are into;

• Tip#9: Finding a community with people that share interests with me is what I found extremely motivating and inspiring to start my own podcast and this blog you are currently reading.

The time is now!

Everyone says we need to sleep more. They aren’t lying! Sleep is one of the reasons why you may feel burnt out in the first place. Make sure to get at least 7 hours every day. Otherwise, sleep will be the only thing you’ll want to do all day, not to mention how unmotivated you’ll be to even breathe.

Don’t give up on yourself! You have so much potential, so much power in you that it’s impossible to put into words. Give yourself the opportunity to discover that potential and thank yourself for being the way you are. You are you, and nobody else will ever be like you. Use it to your advantage, not against it.

I hope you find these tips useful. Additionally, I recommend you watch more of Alex Becker’s videos which can help you flip the switch faster. Very precise and to the point, especially if you are thinking to start your own business.

Stay tuned for more!