There was a point when I was falling over the edge into burnout.
I struggled with all my projects – work and home. I wasn’t been able to make much headway on anything, and my interest level was low. Projects were stalled all over the place. I realized that it was merely a symptom of everything else that is going on in my life.
I was (still am) the primary breadwinner of my family, providing most of the income and our health insurance. My company at the time had several rounds of layoffs, and the management and my fellow programmers were flooding out the door. My immediate management had changed six times in nine months, leaving me to train manager after manager to see them leave or transfer. Through all this I was struggling with an overwhelming workload, little adequate help, and still trying to maintain a household, my writing, and run a Girl Scout troop (with a co-leader who had been on disability leave for months).
The fear, uncertainty, stress and strain took their toll.
My sleep was restless and riddled by nightmares. I stress eat, and I gained 10 pounds in 9 months. I found myself irritable and resentful most of the time. My productivity was shot. I was turning into a person that I didn’t like, and I didn’t want to be.
I originally meant to write this piece on how to recognize burnout, and I found some great links (see the bottom of the article). But the truth is, when you’re burnt out, you know it. I don’t need a website to tell my I’m burnt. I can look in the mirror and see the crispy edges.
So what is there to do? I recognize there are immediate changes I need to make:
- Exercise. Even though it seems like a monumental effort, I have to walk or use the elliptical. Every day. I make this easier by allowing myself to watch my favorite show while on the elliptical, or listen to my favorite podcast while walking.
- Eat and drink properly. I don’t eat well enough, I drink too much caffeine, and not enough water. I have to eat more freggies and drink my water. (I thank those of you who gave me suggestions on how to make the water thing happen!) To make this easier, I have a cup I love drinking from – stainless steel with a straw. And I allow myself to buy the carrot chips (I swear they taste better than regular carrots) and fruits I love, like cherries.
- Sleep. I was not getting enough, and it exacerbated the situation. I am making this easier by using the sleep stories on Calm, and going to bed at a regular time.
- Fresh air. I spend far too much time at a computer. I need to be out in the air and sunshine, every day. I make this easier by doing my morning routine out on our screened porch. During the winter, I go out into the outside for at least 15 minutes, even if it is just slipping into the nearby park for a bit.
- Socialize. By nature a loner, I need the support of people around me to encourage me. I am making this easier by having regularly scheduled outings with my friend group and spouses, and by scheduling times to call people.
Looking back, I now recognize the symptoms of burnout that were affecting my life. The exhaustion, irritability, and lack of productivity were clear warning signs that I needed to make changes. By implementing small but significant adjustments to my daily routine – prioritizing exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, time outdoors, and social connections -I recovered and rebuilt my resilience. TThe most important lesson I’ve learned is that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for long-term wellbeing and effectiveness in all areas of life.
Links On Burnout
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnout_%28psychology%29
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/burnout/WL00062
