We’re only in the first quarter of 2021. For some of us, signs of burnout have already started to show.
My worst burnout left me on the couch for weeks. The recovery process was long and frustrating. Not all was lost as the recovery time showed me the things that led me to burnout. And how I could avoid them.
Here are some of the things I’ve found useful in avoiding another episode of burnout.
A Book
Reading has many benefits. It’s relaxing, you learn tonnes of new stuff. And counts as soul time when the book is a great read that you enjoy.
‘The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time Is The Key To High Performance And Personal Renewal changed my life. Written by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The two authors work with the world’s best athletes, business executives, and your ordinary parents.
I enjoy planning and organisation. But I noticed that even with a good plan, I often lacked the energy to get through my day-to-day.
The book showed me how I can’t separate my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels of energy from one another: How to renew my energy and build capacity in all these areas. And how I can build positive energy routines to be fully engaged in my day-to-day.
Before the end of the book, I’d started working out, started my days early with downtime and daily devotions. And spent more time with family. I still get it wrong at times. But, being aware of my energy levels has helped me map out a path to becoming “my best self”.
A Planner
I suffer from a disease called, “there aren’t enough hours in a day”. Discovering the Block Schedule System was the best remedy. When I discovered the system, I was impressed by how a Mum of eight was able to keep her sanity and life together.
I’ve been using it for a year now and find that my days are easier to manage. For days when I’m sluggish and unmotivated, it helps to check what I’ve planned for the day. To stay on track. At the end of the day I feel like Superwoman for pushing through the lack of motivation. Managing to stay productive.
The block system’s helped me create pockets of patience and kindness towards myself, and others when things don’t go as planned. Which happens a lot in Gaborone.
Here’s a video that explains the block schedule system in detail. Make the time to watch it, grab a pen, paper and coffee and you won’t regret it. I have free printables from the website for my food shopping list, and health and fitness goals tracker.
Asking The Right Questions
My planner started off cluttered and overloaded with to-dos. To help me simplify each block, I asked myself a few questions to identify what’s really important.
- Who are the most important people in my world?
- I relax when…
- If I could light a candle called “atmosphere” in my house I want it to smell like? Peace, laughter, creativity etc
- I love to…
- What would I like to achieve at this time?
- I am inspired by…
- I would love to be able to…
These are just a few questions, feel free to add more by yourself or with your partner.
Planning and learning to manage my energy levels have helped me to be mindful and present in my day-to-day. And with the people around me. Especially those that I love.
A Community Of Friends
Am I the only one whose life seems chaotic while my friends have it all together? I hope not.
I started noticing what each of my friends is good at and asking them questions about how they do it. I’m constantly amazed at how much I learn from them.
A friend of mine’s amazing at organising her life in simple ways. She places cereal on the kitchen counter, with bowls, spoons, and her cup ready by the coffee maker. Before she goes to bed. I tried it out and was wowed by how much time and mental space I saved. Not having to think about the little details.
She also has her daughter’s clothes in see-through boxes, labeled, so they pick their own outfits. Her bag’s packed the night before, ready to grab on the way out. Little hacks to save time for her morning.
I ask my friends questions about everything. How they budget, do their shopping, set their goals, and drink their tea. Mixing green tea with rooibos is a winner! What they share help us support one another, strengthen our friendship and yes, keep each other from burning out. Making life more manageable, one piece of advice at a time.
How about you? Do you have a book, a planner, or a community of friends that keep you away from burnout? We would love to hear about them in the comments below.
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