How do you know when you’re past the point of exhaustion?
One sign is when you struggle to motivate to do the things that usually give you energy.
I love to swim. Being in or near the water is my favorite place. And when the temperature hovers near 90° F, there’s no place I’d rather be than in the pool.
So when it’s 95° F outside and I can hardly get myself in the pool, if I feel resistance to going in the pool, or if I get in for a quick dip and then quickly get out, then I know something is off.
These are clear signs from my body and mind that I’m past the point of exhaustion.
Perhaps I’m in the early stages of burnout.
My body and mind are craving rest and restoration.
I don’t do myself any favors by making this situation “wrong” or trying to fight it.
The only thing to do is to hold space for what’s there and allow myself the space to rest. Permission to move more slowly. To embrace being. To let go of striving.
Our bodies are always speaking to us. Learning the language and being in conversation is the work of a lifetime.
I hope this is helpful to you. It’s all I’ve got today.
[…] often thought that the high rates of burnout in service professions is largely due to emotional labor, high workloads, and systemic stressors […]