Over the few weeks before the Christmas break, I was feeling burned out.
To an extent, I know that’s normal – the evenings are getting darker, work’s busy, and I put myself under pressure to get things done. The result though wasn’t nice, I felt irritable, unfocused, tired, lethargic and apathetic. If you’ve read my blog before – you know that’s not me.
I didn’t like it at all.
After a restful and rejuvenating Christmas break, I put together a list to help deal with that feeling if (or more likely when) it happens again.
1. Write a list of things to do when you feel better
This isn’t about getting stuff done right now, or even tomorrow, it’s things to do when you’re feeling up to it.
The whole point is to take stuff off your plate right now and stop you worrying about tasks that aren’t essential. It’ll make the next few days feel a bit more manageable, and that can make all the difference.
2. Stop anything that is non-essential
Using the list above, decide on tasks that aren’t essential and stop doing them. Although I’m I total advocate of doing a little bit every day – I use that technique with my writing, this blog and social media – sometimes you just need to stop.
When I was feeling burned out, I stopped all of it, just focused on my lessons for the following day and getting as much rest as possible.
3. Prioritize rest
You’re feeling burnt out it’s because you’ve not had enough rest. You can’t work your way out of it. You need to rest.
As such, make it your greatest priority. Get to bed as early as you can and stay there until the last possible moment.
4. Feeling like this is completely natural
When you’ve been working hard over a long period of time, feeling run down is completely natural. It’s your body and mind saying, “stop, you’ve done enough, you need to give us a break.”
It’s not a sign of weakness. I’ll repeat that, it’s not a sign of weakness.
5. Know it’s only temporary
Although in the midst of the burnout, you may not be able to see the way forward, it is there.
With a bit of rest and relaxation, your spirit, ambition and drive will come back. You just have to give it a chance.
If this sounds familiar, take a break. Your body and mind will thank you.
When was the last time you felt burnt now?
What did you do to help it pass?
Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash
