I've been there, in the thick of it, feeling like every day is a marathon that I never signed up for. Burnout. It sneaks up on you, doesn't it? One day you're juggling work, life, and everything in between, and the next, you're wondering how a giant mug of coffee or a bottle of wine became your lifeline.
I want to share a bit of my story with you, not to dwell on the tough times, but to shine a light on the path out of them. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that burnout doesn't have to be an endpoint; it can be a turning point.
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed. It's like running on empty, both emotionally and physically, while trying to convince yourself and everyone else that your tank is full.
I’ve experienced burnout several times in my life as a student and teacher, but most recently as a homeschool mom. For me, it started with the small stuff – snapping more than usual, feeling tired all the time, and dreading tasks I used to enjoy.
Eventually, it led to me not being emotionally present with my children; I didn’t have the capacity to deal with their big feelings, I would get furious when our homeschool didn’t go according to my plans, and I leaned heavily into drinking “a glass” of wine at night to “decompress” after a stressful day.
I brushed these signs off as just part of being busy. But let me tell you, ignoring burnout is like ignoring a leaky faucet; it only gets worse.
Tips for Identifying and Managing Burnout
If you're nodding along, thinking, "Yep, that's me," here are a few pointers:
Listen to Your Body and Mind: They're your best indicators. If you're constantly exhausted or irritable, that's your cue.
Start Small: Don't overhaul your life overnight. Small changes, like setting a bedtime routine or dedicating 30 minutes daily to a hobby, can have big impacts.
Self-Care is Key: And it's not just bubble baths and face masks. It's also setting healthy boundaries and saying no when you need to.
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Realizing I needed a change was step one. The harder part was figuring out what that change looked like. I started with the basics:
Pressing Pause: I scaled back on our homeschool, which wasn't easy. But it gave me the space I needed to breathe and reassess. I realized I was putting too much pressure on all of us and was trying to mimic what was done in traditional schools instead of leaning into being at home and going at my children’s pace.
Digital Detox: I reduced my time online—less scrolling, more strolling if you catch my drift. I also removed social media and email from my phone, which helped me detach from it more easily.
Setting Boundaries: No more emails after dinner or work creeping into our homeschool or on weekends. I had to remind myself that it's okay to clock out mentally, too.
Rekindling Joy: I picked up hobbies that had nothing to do with my to-do list. I hiked, baked, read, and wrote—activities that let my mind wander and relax.
Doing Less: I realized that we were doing too much in our homeschool, so I cut back on lessons and subjects. Our homeschool didn’t have to be those picture-perfect ones you always see on Instagram (and I also stopped following those IGers as well!)
Integrating Balance in Homeschooling
As a homeschool mom, I saw how my burnout affected not just me but my approach to teaching. Adopting a more relaxed, mindful homeschooling method was a game-changer. It meant being okay with not ticking every box every day and understanding that sometimes, less is more.
This journey taught me the value of self-care and the strength in seeking support. Whether it's from friends, family, or professionals, having a support system is invaluable. For me, diving into life coaching not only helped me navigate my burnout but also gave me the tools to help others.
Final Thoughts
Making these changes hasn't been a magic fix, but it's shifted my life in a more balanced, fulfilling direction. If my story resonates with you and you're looking for guidance, I'm here. As a slow living coach, I'm dedicated to helping others find their path away from burnout and toward a life they love.
Thanks for walking through this with me. I hope my journey and the tips I've shared can light a spark for you, too. Here's to finding our balance, one step at a time!
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