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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