Feeling overwhelmed? You have made it through the COVID situation for over two years. And the future is still uncertain. World affairs are a mess and show no signs of a quick resolution. You’re not able to remember names and words the way you used to. Concentrating? Forget it! Your home or office is neglected. Dust is piling up, along with stacks of stuff. 

Your goals, once so important, are on a distant horizon. It’s difficult to maintain relationships and be there for family and friends. Traffic and grocery stores? Irritating. You toss and turn all night. Your neck and shoulder muscles are tight as a violin string. Fatigue is your best buddy. All signs of burnout. 

Your brain and body can only handle being overwhelmed for so long. Then something has to give. And it might be you.

What to do?

It’s tough to make changes when you don’t exactly know what needs to be done, but figuring out those triggers for stress in your life is the first step. Some major sources are:

• an increasingly demanding lifestyle
• ongoing uncertainty with no end in sight  
• relationship problems, especially ones that circle with no resolution
• caring for a loved one with a serious or chronic health condition
• trying constantly to do too much on your own.

Once you have identified them, on to the next step.

What changes can you make?

You might recognize a few ways to lighten your load right now. 

• Start with accepting that doing it all isn’t realistic. No one could keep up with that schedule. But your expectations are driving you onward.
• Are you a people pleaser? Take a look at how you deal with people. Do you take on too much to avoid letting anyone down? This is a no-win situation for everyone. 
• Practice self-compassion. Let up on yourself. Change the negative self-talk (I’ll never get this done) to a more loving approach (I will do what I can.)

Take back control.

Burnout can make you feel powerless. You may feel life is passing you by, and you’re missing out.

To move back into the driver’s seat, here are some tips:

• Prioritize. Some things just have to get done, while others can wait until you have more time and energy. 
• Set boundaries. Is this something you want to do? Or do you feel you have to? If the answer is the latter, see if there is another way to get that need met. 
• Set a regular time for sleep. Without 7-8 hours of restful sleep, anxiety ramps up. It’s time to take care of you. 
• Balance alone time with time spent with loved ones and friends. Recharge your batteries and give your mind a rest. 
• Schedule some physical activity every day. Sometimes a walk in the neighborhood can do wonders. 
• Eat nutritious foods and drink water. Sugar and excess carbohydrates can lead to foggy brains. Be kind to yourself and add protein and veggies to your plate. Your body will thank you. 
• Journal. Sometimes it helps to get t mental chit-chat on paper. It’s not so daunting when thoughts are laid out in front of you.

Practice your burnout immunity and live unstuck!

Joan Courtney is a clinical hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner. Unstuck Living is located in Lakeside, AZ.