Burnout: Has your fire turned to fizzle?

If you're feeling like your fire has turned to fizzle, you're not alone. Many people experience burnout at some point in their lives, especially when they are dealing with prolonged periods of stress or overwhelm. Burnout is a common experience that can leave you feeling drained and disconnected from the things that used to bring you joy.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that is typically caused by prolonged periods of stress, especially related to work or caregiving. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including feeling drained, disconnected from others, and experiencing a lack of motivation or joy in activities that were previously enjoyable.

Where does burnout come from?

Burnout can be caused by a variety of factors, including job-related stress, chronic illness, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. People who are perfectionistic, have high expectations of themselves, or lack a support system are particularly vulnerable to burnout.

Burnout isn't something you choose—it just happens when your body can't handle the stress anymore. And when people are burned out, they often don't realize what's happening to them until it's too late. Burnout is an umbrella term for three distinct reactions your body goes through when it's under constant pressure: physical (exhaustion), emotional (hopelessness), mental (headache) and spiritual exhaustion.

How do you move through this emotion?

If you are experiencing burnout, the good news is that it is possible to move through it. Here are a few tips to help you start feeling better:

1. Prioritize self-care: This means taking care of your physical and emotional needs, including getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and spending time doing things you enjoy.

2. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that are causing you stress or taking up too much of your time. It's okay to prioritize your own needs.

3. Seek support: Whether it's talking to friends or family, joining a support group, or working with a therapist, it's important to have people in your life who can support you through difficult times.

4. Practice mindfulness: This means staying present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can be helpful in reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing.

Remember, burnout is a common experience, and you are not alone. With the right tools and support, you can move through this emotion and come out stronger on the other side.

If you're struggling with burnout and would like some support, I'm here to help. As a trained psychotherapist, I have helped many clients overcome their burnout and improve their overall well-being. Let’s work together to help you move through this emotion so you can experience lasting happiness!

Join theYintopia Community to learn more about my services and how I can support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.