4 Ways to Handle the Feelings of Burnout

Burnout is the worst. I’ve hit breaking points before and it’s never pretty. I do believe in working hard and getting things done, but it should never be at the expense of your sanity! (I learned this the hard way, so trust me on it.)

Want to avoid the burnout? Stop it before it happens. Maxie is sharing her tips for tapping the brakes before you get to that point.

4 Ways to Handle the Feelings of Burnout

Guest post by Maxie McCoy

Have you ever felt like everything is wrong even though nothing is really wrong? Maybe you made a mountain out of a molehill. Maybe you feel so insanely overwhelmed by everything. Or maybe you found yourself crying on the subway on the way to meet Carly because you were just… so… tired (oh wait, that was me). Or maybe everything that normally excites you just feels blah and numb.

They’re true signs, every time, of the fact that your energy is wiped and you’re in bad need of a break. Resting is so integral, yet for some reason, we’re always biting off more, we’re pushing ourselves to hustle harder, and we’re not stopping to assess what we really need until it’s too late. Don’t be forced to slow down because your health deteriorates or your emotions are running you ragged. When you start to feel like you’re hitting the end of your active runway, you have to take a big step back.

When I met Carly off the subway last week, we both knew I looked as tired as I felt. Not because I was disheveled or unkempt, but because you could see it in my eyes: I needed the longest rest ever. And I needed to shut down my email. And I needed a break. So know, that everything below is the medicine I’m currently dosing myself with. This stuff happens… even the most aware people can realize they over hustled. Sometimes you just don’t know until ya know… ya know?

When the candle is burning at both ends, give these a try:

Sleep.
Until your body wakes up. And put an eye mask on and your phone away, so it’s really recovering in the way that’s natural – away from light. Studies show that 1 in 3 adults aren’t getting enough sleep, don’t be one of them. We need continuous rest. Nothing good comes from operating at a fraction of your optimum energy.

Step away.
Vacay. Long weekend. A day off. Whatever you can afford regarding flexibility, travel, and time, create space for it. We are in front of so much information day to day, especially when we’re trying to move the needle forward on our work, classes, or future. One of the best things you can do for your forward momentum is to give your brain time to process everything it’s learned and experienced by stepping away from all it all.

Spend a couple of hours with your people.
When I was so tired, lunch with Carly gave me life. Because she’s one of my “energizers,” as I like to call them – the people who no matter what fill you with energy and inspiration. Who you can let your guard down with. Who recharge you just by being near them. They’re your renewable energy source. Identify yours and schedule a little bit of time to just be with them.

Head to nature.
Mother nature is there to help you breathe, to give you perspective and to cradle your energy back to life. It’s what she does. So go outside and take in the night sky. Head to your favorite park (without your phone please). Get in some tree bathing at a local forest. Or hop in the car the nearest natural wonder. Trust me, fresh air and a long walk will do you wonders.

When you’re feeling burnt out, take action. Our energy is one of the most precious tools you have to connect and to create, let’s not take it for granted. And if you want more inspiration and tools, sign up for my weekly newsletter.