Skip to main content

Burnout


A few weeks ago, I was feeling very apathetic about everything.  I reached a point where I started to not really care about anything, and actually spent one weekend in bed for the sheer reason I was just tired and didn’t feel like thinking or dealing with anyone.  A friend pointed out my behavior, and it got me curious about why a person would become apathetic and lethargic. 

In my usual fashion I didn’t feel like thinking and reached out to Google to give me some quick insight.  I was fully expecting depression about something to be the reason, but many of the articles were about burnout.  And, the more I thought about it, the more I agree, that yes, I am experiencing some burnout.  Between stress at work, running errands prepping for the holidays, lack of time spent with friends, and trying to constantly be my most perfect self… I’m exhausted.  I can’t even imagine throwing a spouse or kids into the mix.

According to Forbes, some common symptoms include:
·         Exhaustion
·         Lack of Motivation
·         Frustration, Cynicism and other Negative Emotions
·         Cognitive Problems
·         Slipping Job Performance
·         Interpersonal Problems at Home/Work
·         Not Taking Care of Yourself
·         Being Preoccupied With Work, When You’re Not at Work
·         Generally Decreased Satisfaction
·         Health Problems

So, what am I going to do about it?  For starters, I forced myself to take some vacation time from work since I won’t get any around Christmas, even though it stressed me out to take time off.  Quite honestly, it’s taken me a good 3 days to be able to relax and unplug, but on a positive note, I still have 3 more days until Monday.  :)

I recognize that I need balance in my life.  And, while I’m not exactly sure yet what that will entail as far as a daily/weekly routine, I do plan to take more vacation time in 2016, spend some time exploring some personal interests, and figuring out what I want out of life as opposed to doing what I should do or what’s expected of me. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Happy April Fools' Day!

I'm not a very creative person, and have never come up with something truly funny to do to my friends, family, or any roommates I've had over the years.  Maybe one day I'll be able to put some of the ideas below to good use.  Until then... these are just amusing.

Embrace Being Uncomfortable

We’ve all heard it before, “ Life isn’t always comfortable.”   Even if the change is a positive one, like eating healthier… it’s still not comfortable.     I’m in the process of buying my first home, and while I’m so happy and excited, I’m also really nervous and scared.   I would like to think I’m ready for the additional challenges and responsibilities of owning my own home.   But, what if I’m not?   Big life changes can be really nerve-racking!   But, I’m finding familiarity with being uncomfortable.   And, I actually take that to be a good thing.     If we get too comfortable, there is no growth, and if there is no growth, then we are just slowly dying. So, this week, embrace being a little uncomfortable.   It’s how you know you’re changing!        

There is No Gain Without Struggle

We all struggle with something.  In our moments of struggle, it's impossible to think that other people could possibly be feeling the same hurt, frustration, and loneliness we are.  Remember you are not alone.  Struggling is a part of being human.  Without it, we would not appreciate the good things that we have.  Today, recognize that without struggle, we are not driven to be better.  You are better today, than you were yesterday.  Just keep going!  Keep taking steps every day to work towards your goals of personal development.