Four Steps to Avoid Burnout

More than anything else, I advise my clients to chase what brings them joy, pursue their passions, and let their hearts guide them. Have you wondered what’s going wrong when you can’t seem to find anything that lights you up? When your spark of enthusiasm seems to have dimmed, and you find yourself feeling drained physically, mentally, and emotionally? You might be experiencing burnout, and you’re not alone. 

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are burning the candle at both ends. We’ve grown accustomed to pushing ourselves to the limit, almost believing that exhaustion is the price of success or productivity. Living with burnout has become an all-too-common reality, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s time to navigate the fine line between what we can handle and what we can’t, finding that elusive work-life balance and discovering what is ours to hold and what we can let go of.

If you want to live a life fueled by abundance rather than depletion, follow these steps to move away from burnout and towards those things that give you joy:

Step One: Ego Check – Surrender and Awareness 

The first step in overcoming burnout is to take an honest look at yourself and your situation. It’s time to check your ego at the door and become acutely aware of what’s happening both within you and around you. Recognize that burnout is not a badge of honor; it’s a sign that something is amiss. In places like the Blue Zones, where people tend to live longer and healthier lives, burnout is not a common phenomenon. Understand that your mind might be telling you it’s too much when, in reality, your physical capabilities are greater than your mind lets you believe.

Step Two: Body Check – Acceptance and Presence 

Acknowledge that burnout is real, but also recognize how much of it might be a story playing out in your head. The goal is to live as present as possible, in tune with your body’s signals. Listen to what your body is saying. How do you assess your symptoms? When your physical body feels tired, heavy, and achy, it’s a sign of burnout, and it can also manifest as spiritual burnout. You’re pressing the accelerator, but there’s no fuel left in the tank. To address burnout, you must first experience it fully. Most of us are not living a balanced life, and it’s time to scan your body, identify where you’re holding tension, and release it.

Step Three: Spiritual/Energy Check – Self-Care and Nourishment 

Your spiritual and energy well-being is vital in combating burnout. It’s about tending to your inner self. Prioritize rest, sleep, nourishment, joy, fun, movement, sunshine, nature, community and connection. Much of this revolves around the relationship you have with yourself. Recognize when you play a role in your own burnout and become aware of it.

Step Four: Control and Let Go – Finding Balance and Ease 

Finally, focus on the things you can control and let go of the rest. This step is about achieving balance and ease in your life. By helping yourself in areas where change is needed, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of steps one through three.

In a world that often encourages us to push harder and faster, it’s essential to step back and prioritize self-care. Burnout is not a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that it’s time to reassess our lives and find balance. By following these four steps – checking your ego, listening to your body, nurturing your spirit, and finding control and release – you can transform from a state of burnout to one of balance and renewal. Remember, your happiness and well-being are worth the effort, and finding joy in the journey is a vital part of the process.

Please contact Rachel Gordon  if you have questions about Buddhist psychology and integrative, holistic techniques to address mental health issues and promote total body wellness. If you live in the Denver/ Castle Rock area and would like to learn more about what Rachel has to offer through Humble Warrior Therapy, please call (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule.