A topic close to my heart – only a few years ago I found myself with chronic burnout mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I hit ground zero when I got critically ill and needed major surgery. My body and mind were definitely telling me the game was up! Now I look back, this was a wake-up call to action. To make serious changes in all areas of my life effective immediately!
Chronic burnout is a serious health issue and according to Forbes Magazine, many people have experienced it in their lives before even turning 30! Add family responsibilities and potential health issues to the mix, and the chances you will experience burnout increase many fold as life goes on.
What does chronic burnout feel like? For me my brain felt fried, doing basic things and making normal decisions was overwhelming. I had this perpetual feeling of exhaustion – my tank was empty. In fact, my tank felt like it had a big leaky hole in it……I had no energy, motivation or desire to be kind to anyone, let alone myself. Our bodies and minds communicate to us about our wellbeing and when things are “not right”. I ignored these messages for a very long time.
Some signs of chronic burnout – physical and mental
EXHAUSTION – chronic exhaustion all of the time.
SICK – frequently getting sick e.g. colds, aches and pains.
ANXIOUS – feel anxious and overwhelmed about anything and everything.
NO SOCIAL LIFE – you have no energy to be social, hang out with friends or family.
NEGATIVE – feeling negative all of the time. You are easily frustrated, get angry and whatever you do you cannot shift this feeling. Everything seems pointless or difficult.
CANNOT THINK STRAIGHT – you have difficulty concentrating, solving problems and completing things, no matter how simple and straight forward they might be.
COMMUNICATING IS DIFFICULT – you find communicating with others difficult including putting across your point, you often feel attacked or put down, you are overly sensitive and reactive. This is affecting your interpersonal relationships across the board. At home, work and in your community.
POOR HEALTH – you are neglecting your health, not eating properly and not exercising.
EVERYTHING IS A CHORE – Work is a chore and you are unmotivated, possibly even making mistakes or having difficulties meeting deadlines.
TASK – place a tick beside the ones above you feel you are experiencing right now. Now place another tick beside the ones which you feel you are experiencing the most right now. You may end up with a double tick beside all of them, or only some of them. There is no right or wrong answer. This task is just to provide you with some feedback on what your body and mind might be telling you right now.
Stay tuned for BLOG # 4 Part 2 – some of the reasons for chronic burnout – do any of these ring true for you?
Iris May 9th May 2020
Be Kind to Yourselves - BK2Y 