Finding Balance: The Essential Key to Overcoming Burnout
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Understanding Burnout
"It's not the burden you bear, but how you handle it."
Recently, a client informed me that she needed to delay our session due to a work commitment. We rescheduled with no issue. However, a week later, she had to cancel again, citing an unavoidable meeting. As I awaited her next cancellation, I started to question the value she placed on our time together.
She came to me seeking rejuvenation, expressing feelings of chronic fatigue, lack of energy, and an ongoing sense of dissatisfaction. Life had become monotonous for her, blending into a dull routine devoid of excitement.
When pondering her future, three questions lingered in her mind:
- Is this all there is?
- Am I merely a puppet on a string?
Despite her struggles, she felt guilty for seeking psychological help, considering it a luxury amidst global crises. This guilt is understandable; when comparing personal challenges to the suffering experienced by those affected by conflicts in places like Gaza and Israel, it’s easy to feel trivial.
Nonetheless, regardless of the world’s turmoil, it is crucial to prioritize your own well-being. Taking care of oneself is not selfish.
She recognized her burnout and acknowledged the signs of mild depression without needing me to point them out. However, she sought guidance to understand why she felt trapped by obligations to her boss, colleagues, and family—why she continued to accept tasks that overwhelmed her.
The Path to Recovery
The journey beyond burnout necessitates a change in approach, which often means easing off the relentless pace of life. While not everyone can reduce work hours due to financial responsibilities, everyone can find ways to conserve their energy, starting with learning to say "no."
This sounds straightforward, yet many find it challenging. Often, the fear of disappointing others or a desire to remain busy leads to an inability to refuse requests. When we delve into this mindset, the issue reveals itself as a deeper struggle: many tie their self-worth to their achievements and productivity rather than their intrinsic value.
If you genuinely appreciate who you are, saying "no" becomes a manageable task. Many resist acknowledging that their burnout may stem from their self-esteem, even when they are aware of the connection.
For those grappling with these feelings, it’s essential to reframe how you view yourself in the world. This isn't about becoming selfish; rather, it’s about finding contentment without the constant need to complete a to-do list or chase validation from others.
Embracing Self-Worth
It requires releasing the guilt associated with not always being available for others, including loved ones. It’s about cherishing and prioritizing your own health and well-being—not just when you feel depleted, but regularly.
"Healing cannot occur if we do not accept our worthiness—that we are worth healing, even if doing so might shake up our view of the world and how we interact with others." — Mario Martinez
Eventually, my client attended her therapy session. Her background of prioritizing others stemmed from a strict upbringing, where her mother constantly monitored her achievements. This insight helped her realize why she consistently placed her needs last and why recovery felt elusive.
While each situation is unique, burnout often correlates with a person’s self-perception and how they gauge their worth. If you measure yourself by productivity or accolades, you're likely to face difficulties. Striving for external validation can lead to exhaustion and a constant state of burnout.
"When you're at peace with yourself and love yourself, it is virtually impossible to engage in self-destructive behaviors." — Wayne Dyer
Practical Tips for Recovery
Every two weeks, I share a newsletter filled with actionable psychological insights for personal development. Join me!
The first video offers strategies for recovering from burnout in three steps. It highlights practical methods to regain control over your life and well-being.
The second video focuses on preventing burnout in health coaching businesses, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to maintain balance and avoid exhaustion.