5 Tips to Turn out from the Burn Out
A few years back it finally sunk in - I like to operate very close to burn out a lot of the time. I kind of thrive right on the edge. I love a big deadline and a productive day of work. I get inspired when I have lots of things on the go. I used to think that was a bad part of me that needed fixing, but I finally learned to just embrace it. Once I got clarity + accepted that is just who I am, I started prioritizing more self care, down time, and nourishing foods so I wasn’t tipping the scale.
But just because we know what’s best for us,
doesn’t mean we actually do it!
The scales slowly creeped in the wrong direction, and I was feeling burnt out. I blame the pandemic and winter weather for a lot of it, but I also know that’s just how I operate. That sometimes I spread myself too thin and burn out. After feeling like I was in a fog for a week, I decided to do what was needed to get back on track - mindfully move towards thoughts, actions, and foods that calm my nerves, build connection and bring me joy.
With the goal of focussing my energy towards the intention of FEELING GOOD, I have put together my personal tips to turnout from the burnout.
TURN OFF AUTO PILOT
and be intentional with your thoughts and actions
If you feel like you are just going through the motions, it is time to mix things up! All these restrictions due to COVID is making us forget how to live. It’s time to get out of survival mode! If you are feeling stuck, this is a great time to set some goals and then purposely move towards reaching them. Whether it’s your romantic life, financial situation, self care regime, physical or mental health - realign where you want be in those departments, and then make small daily actions towards reaching them. And for goodness sake, make some plans to have a little fun!
Looking for clarity?
Try walks in nature, journaling, and talking to a friend.
I spend a period of time writing down my goals each morning, along with the actionable steps I will take that day towards reaching them. Add in a few things I am grateful for and a positive affirmation, pretty soon I’ll be out of burn out mode and back into magical unicorn mode.
Try finding what works for you, and then do the work.
2. ASK FOR HELP
and be there for one another
The simple (or not so simple) act of opening up to another human is incredibly helpful. Sometimes we manage to talk out some problems and feel like a weight has been lifted just by talking. Find a friend, colleague, partner, or professional (or all 4) you trust and start chatting. If you are feeling down, depressed, anxious, or burnt out, ask for help.
As my husband always says: “Don’t be a hero!”
Be vulnerable.
3. NOURISH YOUR BODY
with foods that heal + help you handle health
This is my go-to arena. Nourishing my body with wholesome plant based foods was the first act of self care I took really seriously other than exercise. 10 years ago when I studied plant based nutrition and started making big changes to my diet, I experienced the transformative effects it can have. Not only did my physical health improve, so did my mental health. Drastically. I appreciate that nourishing my body with healthy foods ain’t gonna cure all my problems. But damn straight, it’s gonna cure a lot of them!
Focus on all of the above, and don’t forget to leave room for life, fun, love, etc. Food is a celebration and should be enjoyed. If you are restricting or putting more pressure on yourself when it comes to what you are eating then it is not serving you. Go gentle, be kind, and make small changes.
4.MOVE YOUR BODY
and release some of the stress you are holding
EXERCISE - Physical activity that doesn’t burn you out, and brings you joy is the key. Plus, moving your body releases endorphins to make you feel happy, reduces the risk of disease, boosts energy, improves sleep and can even be social during a pandemic!
STRETCHING/ROLLING - These are hugely helpful if you suffer from any type of injury. Plus, I firmly believe we hold our stress in our muscles and tendons, and stretching and rolling can help release them. It aids in recovery, improves flexibility, blood flow, sleep and helps you feel calm.
CHIRO/MASSAGE/ACCUPUNCTURE - I appreciate this may not be in everyone’s budget. If you have insurance then go book one of these as often as you can! Each one can be so healing, helps releive stress, reduces pain, and is a wonderful act of self care.
5. SLEEP
it does a body good!
I love sleep so much it’s almost laughable! Most nights I am in bed by 9, asleep soon after. This has a lot to do with how early I get up, but I just love my bed, love sleep, it’s just the best!
Our bodies need time to rest and repair. Our nervous system gets a break. Sleep is giving ourselves the gift of deep relaxation we need. A good night sleep is so important to handle stress. To help you get the deepest most restful sleep, try avoiding screen time right before bed - invest in some good books instead.
I hope these tips may have helped!
xo, Andrea