Growing up, I was taught you need to always be present and always be willing to do what you were told. At work, you have to always be ready and always be willing to do more. Do not take too much time off of work or they will not like it. And most importantly, put others first. This was the way of life for many generations. But today, life is a little different. Today, many companies and people in general are focusing on a life balance. Without balance, something will suffer. And in a deep mental burnout, the one suffering will always be you.
Priorities
All my life, I have placed everyone in a higher priority than myself. Anything I wanted, needed, liked, or thought about was always placed last to everyone else. I wanted them to be happy. But the more I did that, the more I lost myself. Until I suddenly found myself, burnt out. No time for me. No interest in anything. And lately, no feelings about anything. I didn’t know who I was. All I knew was they wanted this and I needed to give it to them. I risked having my candle extinguished.
My husband is going through a burn-out now at work. So many large companies will decide to make big changes or rearrange jobs. When this happens, expectations are high and everything moves fast. The pressure of meeting goals, being the best, showing you are needed, adds up in companies and employees. Then when you add in traveling, uncertainty, and confusion, the stress more than doubles. Just the other day, I had to get firm with my husband because he had been traveling for 4 weeks straight with only a few days in between. No time for him to relax. Hardly any time to turn his mind off.
He just called me to tell me that someone else needs his help in another state. (He is out of town now.) Burn-out is dangerous. When it stops being about stress, is when you have bigger problems. Lack of a solid night of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and no time to center your mind, can all lead to large health issues. Before you know it, it is too late. Headaches, loss of weight, unable to concentrate, body slowing down, or worse…heart attacks.
Balance
As you move through your days, take a moment and look at what you are doing and who you are doing it for. Make sure you fill your cup as you pour from it. And be careful not to burn that candle from both ends. Don’t let people or work extinguish your flame. Find a moment for you. Recenter, rebuild, and relive. You are worth it.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
