Am I Worn-Out, Stressed-Out, or Burned-Out?
An additional blog from the past, November 2016.
No Time for Burnout
When I was asked this month to present locally to two different groups on the topics of Burnout Prevention and Caring for the Caregiver, I eagerly said “yes!” Not only do I love these topics and have completed lots of reading and research on them previously, I truly believe in spreading the wisdom contained within them.
So, I began gathering my data, writing my outlines, and working hard. I mean, really working hard. Not only was I readying myself for the presentations, I was also juggling several different areas of my life at the same time—business ventures, family needs, work, and time with my clients. It was great! But then, as several deadlines came to a head all at once, I started to feel it . . . the dreaded momentum slump, avoidance, fatigue, and worry. I began to worry about weird, irrelevant stuff and was constantly distracted. I couldn’t deny it any longer: It was here. Now I had to decide what I was going to do about it this time while I also wondered what exactly “it” was that I was dealing with. Perhaps an oncoming flu, cold, or could it be . . . burnout?
“No way,” I thought. “I’ve been studying this for years. I have a handle on it and can see it coming from a mile away!” But if I was being really honest with myself as I tracked my energy levels dropping and the wall of inactive, slow-motion days rising, I could tell that I was treading into delicate territory.
It was through preparing for my presentations that I was reminded of three important options that might be able to answer what was going on:
Worn-out is being physically worn down. This can be remedied with rest and sleep.
Stressed-out is mental and emotional fatigue, overly active anxious energy, and constant thinking/worrying. De-stressing techniques are in order.
Burned-out is the biggie that includes physical, emotional, and mental fatigue/heaviness. All aspects need attention and “rebooting.”
In reexamining them one by one, I could tell I was hovering somewhere between worn-out and stressed-out. Time to take action! Or, in my case, it was conscious nonaction that was in order.
So, I packed up my jewelry booth where I was selling my wares at a local craft market, went home, and tucked myself in for a thorough rest. When I woke up, I rearranged my schedule and formulated a realistic picture of my energy levels and capacity to complete what I could do and needed to do. I patiently held through obligations that were peaking until I was more rested and had recovered from the overly crammed few weeks.
This lesson came to me at the perfect time—before burnout had made its grand appearance. I recognize and appreciate that life brings us just what we need at the right time, and that the needed supports and resources are always within arms-reach (or, as I often find, right inside of ourselves) if we just take the time to take a step back and look for them.
Observing and learning the key differences between being worn-out, stressed-out, and burned-out can be valuable as you build your own wisdom bank of self-awareness. If you think you’d benefit from more in-depth discussion and support take a look at a coaching session under the Individual Sessions tab. Blessings to you in your discoveries!