Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for an expose on the sinister causes of burnout and the solutions to rise above it.
We've all been there, hustling like there's no tomorrow, thinking that non-stop grind is the only road to success. Burnout isn't just about feeling a bit tired or run down; it's a complex issue that demands a multifaceted approach to conquer. But, there's a better way, and it doesn't involve becoming a zombie with a laptop. So, grab your favourite beverage, sit back, and let's dissect why we're all burned out without sacrificing your sanity.
Once upon a time, I was a card-carrying member of the "Hustle Culture”. Oh, yes, I believed that success meant never sleeping, never pausing, and just bulldozing through life. But let me tell you, it was a one-way ticket to a hot mess express. My health? A dumpster-fire. My relationships? Fading faster than last season's fashion trends. And inside? Well, internally, I was depressed and more burnt out than a campfire marshmallow.
In my 30s and 40s, I was convinced that hustling and pushing myself was the golden ticket to success. I was everywhere! Work meetings? Check. Parent-teacher meetings? You betcha. Volunteering at the school, in the community, working full-time, and moonlighting at festivals from May till September? Since moving to Canada, that was my jam until Covid hit, and I thought it was the secret sauce to leveling up my side hustle game. But why do we work ourselves into the ground?
Reflecting on those days, I can now see that I was running from my personal life, desperately avoiding the turmoil brewing in my marriage. Deep down, I knew. I yearned for adventure, travel, and the creation of unforgettable memories; I knew that this was not in my future.
Burnout isn't just a buzzword; it's a psychological syndrome. Psychologists describe it as a response to chronic job-related stressors, with three distinct symptoms:
Exhaustion:
Oh, the exhaustion was real. It caught up with me like a relentless storm, and I came crashing down.
Cynicism:
My cynicism knew no bounds. I questioned everything, from my career choices to the very essence of life itself.
Reduced Efficacy:
I felt like I was just going through the motions as if my once-shining achievements had dimmed into obscurity.
But here's the plot twist: life took an unexpected turn. After a hysterectomy, menopause bulldozed into my world like a whirlwind, suffocating me from all sides. Emotions rode a rollercoaster, and I stood on the precipice of despair, contemplating a plunge into the darkness of the Grand River. Yet, something pulled me back from the brink. Seeking help from a compassionate doctor was my saving grace.
With time, therapy, and a dash of resilience, I unearthed a path to recovery. I relearned how to breathe, reclaimed control over my life, and discovered newfound happiness and contentment. I began helping others break free from the chains of depression and toxic relationships, helping them embrace their authentic selves.
But here's another twist: as a coach, a teacher, a parent, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an employee, and an entrepreneur, I started feeling the insidious creep of burnout. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, the stress of keeping up appearances, and running a thriving business began to wear me down. It felt like I was walking a tightrope above a sea of glittering stressors, and the balance was slipping away. Knowing the signs, I took a step back, started to say no and found a way of relieving the stress through my favourite hobbies; recreational rowing, cross-fit, yoga, drawing, and colouring mandalas. Exercise has always been my go-to and when I don’t have it in my life, I really feel it.
So, what's the golden nugget of wisdom in this captivating story? Simple: take a moment to scrutinize what's fueling your burnout. Is it your job, your lifestyle, family member(s) or perhaps a toxic relationship? Make changes where you can, because sometimes the grass is greener on the other side.
But if, despite your best efforts, little has changed, then it's time to reevaluate your situation. Maybe it's time to consider a new direction that aligns with your true self. After all, your happiness, well-being, and sanity are non-negotiable.
Remember, burnout isn't a status symbol; it's a sign that something's amiss. Take a stand for your own happiness, prioritize self-care, and embrace a new way of living and working that's expansive, fulfilling, and still wildly successful.
You've got the tools and the determination to conquer burnout and rise like the fabulous phoenix! So, go out there and remember, burnout may be real, but so is your power to overcome it.
If you need help, please get in touch because I’ve been exactly where you are right now.
