My Story
I don't know of one nurse that does not know the word burnout! When I started out as a bedside RN (you know over 2 decades ago), I accepted that burnout was just part of my job. I didn't question it. Hell, I don't even know if I truly recognized it. I would work 60 hours a week, 12-hour night shifts in the ICU or ER/Trauma, and pregnant, and just keep going. But all of us remember that moment, that moment of breakdown, that moment of dread, that moment of "I can't do this anymore". Mine happened when my first child was about a year old. It was my day off and the shift the day prior was awful; a child did not survive an accident. The pain was so palpable. I was changing my daughter's diaper, and I lost it. Unstoppable sobbing. I couldn't keep going on like this. Right in that very moment I understood the definition of burnout.
You do not need to be a nurse by any means to experience burnout. As a now mom to 5 children, I have bouts of burnout where I need to check in with myself to see what I need to do to take care of myself. As you read through the following paragraphs, think about when you have met burnout or if you are currently experiencing it.
How to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy: Practical Tips for Busy Lives
We’ve all been there. In fact, some of us may be feeling it right now: burnout. Whether it’s the pressure of managing kids, work, family, or just the never-ending to-do list, burnout can creep up on you without warning. It feels like there's just too much—too much stress, too many responsibilities, and no time for yourself. If you're overwhelmed, you're not alone.
What Is Burnout and How Does It Impact Your Life?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It's a deep emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that happens when the demands of your life outweigh your capacity to cope with them. It’s that lump in your throat that’s always threatening to rise, the sense of being overwhelmed and depleted. No matter the roles we play—whether as a parent, employee, spouse, or caretaker—burnout can strip us down to our most vulnerable selves.
So, what can we do about it? How can we combat burnout and prevent it from taking over our lives? Let’s dive into some practical steps.
1. Reconnect With What Brings You Joy
It’s easy to lose yourself in the daily grind of responsibilities. Do you know what truly fills you up? What makes you feel alive and energized? For me, it took a long time to answer this question. As a mom of five, running a business, managing a household, and making my marriage a priority, I found myself asking, When did I lose myself? Why did I lose myself? And perhaps most importantly, What can I do about it now?
The key to fighting burnout is reconnecting with the activities, hobbies, or passions that bring joy to your life. Whether it's reading, painting, going for walks, or simply spending time in nature, filling up your "soul’s cup" is crucial to avoiding burnout.
2. Prioritize What Truly Matters
When we were kids, we couldn’t wait to grow up and take on more responsibility. Well, now we're here, and it’s a lot to handle. Prioritizing your day, week, and month is essential to managing everything without succumbing to stress.
You can’t control everything—like the weather ruining your teenager’s softball game—but you can control how you react to it. Managing your priorities in a calm, organized way can drastically reduce anxiety and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
3. The Power of Sleep: A Key Player in Stress Reduction
Did you know that good sleep can help you lose fat? It might sound surprising, but sleep is one of the most important factors in reducing stress and maintaining overall health. It’s also essential for recovery when burnout sets in.
If you're a busy parent like me, getting quality sleep may feel impossible. But establishing a sleep routine can make a huge difference. Create a bedtime routine that includes winding down—say goodbye to screens, and instead, focus on deep breathing. Inhale positive intentions for the next day and exhale the stress of today. This simple act can work wonders for your mind and body.
4. Take a Step Back and Laugh
I could go on and on about burnout, but where would the fun be in that? Sometimes, you need to pause, laugh, and lighten the mood. Humor can be a powerful tool to release tension and reset your mindset. Life is stressful, but it doesn’t always have to be taken so seriously.
Your Turn: What Are You Doing to Combat Burnout?
Now, I’d love to hear from you. What do you do to manage burnout? When has burnout impacted your life, and how did you recover? If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, remember, you don’t have to face it alone. Let’s have a conversation about how to prevent burnout and reclaim your energy.
If you're ready to make changes, take the first step and reconnect with what brings you joy today. Together, we can beat burnout and create a healthier, more balanced life.
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