In the mist of our daily activities, at some point we get exhausted and drained emotionally, mentally, and physically from work. This exhaustion, if left unchecked, can be detrimental to our health. Hence the need to always take a step back once in a while in order to avoid breaking down completely.
I am a lady who is very lively, engaging, and energetic. If you bumped into a stranger who would lend you a listening and non-judgmental ear, be cheerful, and have a sensitive approach to finding solutions to what burdens your heart, you would most probably find me in that position of comfort. In my circle of friends, I am the go-to friend at anytime; there is never a dull moment with me around.
As a result, most of my friends don't believe I sometimes feel burned out because I hardly allow it to get the better of me. But the stress I went through from January until March really got to me. There was a drastic shift from a vibrant self to a more introverted version of me, which is unlike me. The change was so sudden that every part of me felt it. I was drained mentally, emotionally, and physically; I practically had no ounce of energy left in me.
I was beginning to lose interest in everything. I was gradually becoming a shadow of myself. I practically detached myself from being around people, including my friends and loved ones. I became reluctant to engage in any conversation, and when I eventually did, I gave monosyllabic responses. It was unlike me because I enjoy talking. I can spend an hour over the phone just catching up with friends, and in between chats, I enjoy sending voice notes. My mood was not the only thing affected; so was my health. I had body aches and a banging headache so bad that even a cool shower didn't make it go. With my emotions all over, little things started to irritate me, and I became a crying baby for no reason. That was when I discovered that whenever I am burned out, I start having these symptoms because it has happened on several occasions.
A few friends had to express their concern over my new behaviour and attitude, which they felt was an issue I needed to address. Their concerns served as a wake up call, so I had to find ways to address the issue. Overcoming burnout requires a lot more because it is the advanced version of stress. So whenever I start experiencing these symptoms, it means I need to take a chill pill, meaning I need to stop and take a break.
To be able to overcome being burned out, one first needs to accept and agree that they are burned out and then recognise the need for self-care because ignoring one's well-being only increases the effects of burnout. I've learned to prioritise my health at all times because health is wealth.
Taking a good nap is one of the coping mechanisms I don't joke with at all; it serves as a reset button for me because I most often wake up feeling refreshed and stronger. Immersing myself in music and listening to the beats and melodies while dancing has a magical effect on me; it uplifts my spirit. Also, playing board games has been very helpful, and I've learned to communicate better with my friends and loved ones whenever I am burned out. This has helped me to stop detaching myself and going into isolation. So far, taking a break, playing board games, sleeping, listening to good music, and open communication have been my best bets for coping with being burned out.
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