Finding Balance After Burnout: My Guest Appearance on “Because Everyone Has a Story”
Hey there! I’m super excited to tell you about my recent chat on the podcast “Because Everyone Has a Story.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning under the weight of your own success, you’re not alone. My story might just hit home for you.
So here’s the deal: After over a decade of burning the candle at both ends as a software design manager, I found myself completely burnt out. I wasn’t just tired; I was mentally and emotionally drained. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle of exhaustion that I couldn’t escape. But instead of resigning myself to this endless grind, I decided to make a major change. I took a step back and started to reclaim my life.
Spotting Burnout Before It Takes Over
Let’s be real: the signs of burnout—like feeling irritable and anxious—often sneak up on us. We brush them off as stress or just part of a hectic life. But catching these signals early can be a game-changer. Recognizing them can be the first step in turning things around and getting back to a place of balance.
The Five Success Traps
Here’s what I discovered about my burnout journey: I was falling into five big traps:
- People-Pleasing: Always trying to make everyone happy.
- Perfectionism: Setting standards that were simply too high.
- Overextending: Taking on way more than I could handle.
- Overachieving: Pushing myself to achieve more, even when it wasn’t necessary.
- Fear of Saying No: Struggling to set boundaries and turn down extra work.
Once I realized these traps were causing my burnout, I started to make changes. I learned to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and say no to things that weren’t essential. It was a game-changer.
Finding Your Balance
One of the best moves I made was moving closer to nature. Aligning my life with what truly inspires me not only helped recharge my energy but also made a huge difference in my overall well-being. Nature became my secret weapon for recovery, proving that when you align your passions with your lifestyle, it’s transformative.
Seven Tips to Reclaim Your Well-Being
Here are seven actionable tips I shared on the podcast that can help you find your balance and boost your well-being:
- Spot the Early Signs: Pay attention to irritability and anxiety—they’re clues that you might be heading toward burnout.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Know what you can handle and what’s too much.
- Make Self-Care a Priority: Carve out time for activities that recharge you.
- Learn to Say No: It’s okay to decline non-essential commitments.
- Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to health professionals or coaches.
- Invest in Education: Learn more about health and psychology to better manage your well-being.
- Connect with Nature: Incorporate nature into your life to boost your mood and energy.
I hope my story inspires you to take the steps you need to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Catch the full episode on “Because Everyone Has a Story” and let’s keep moving towards wellness together!