The real Cost of Burnout
The Real Cost of Burnout: My Candid Journey Through Exhaustion
Ah, burnout - that sneaky shadow that lurks in the corners of our busy lives. Can I be real with you today on this post?
Let's talk about it because its only through going through the recovery process am I realising the true cost, burnout is more than just exhaustion; it's a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So, grab a cozy blanket and let's embark on this candid journey through the labyrinth of burnout.
Step 1: The Wake-Up Call
For me, the realisation of burnout me when a recent car accident forced me to STOP. The signs were there for months though, It was those sleepless nights, the ever-present feeling of impending doom, and the constant scramble to keep up. I was in dire need of an intervention from my own self-inflicted exhaustion, I know the accident was a wake up call. I had meditated that morning and can’t explain it but it was the answer to my burnout.
Step 2: The Toll on Health
Burnout isn't just about feeling tired; it's a full-body experience. My health took a nosedive - from erratic sleep patterns to a diet that was pretty much nonexistent. I lost 1 and a half stones and when asked would say I wanted to fit into my wedding dress. My body was sending SOS signals that I couldn't afford to ignore.
Step 3: The Mental Maze
Navigating the mental maze of burnout is like trying to find your way out of a funhouse mirror room. Anxiety and depression became unwelcome companions, and the simplest decisions felt like Herculean tasks. My creativity and zest for life were buried, I became a shell of myself and only when I realised I hadn’t sat down in my office chair and light my candle ( a part of my self-care ritual) did I start to see the problem.
Step 4: The Price on Relationships
Burnout doesn't play fair; it takes a toll on relationships too. I found myself withdrawing from loved ones, too exhausted to engage in any way, my kids got the mum who was snappy or tired which meant hubby took all the parenting responsibilities and for that, I bare great guilt. Friendships suffered, I wasn’t responsive to texts, and messages, and barely spoke to anyone.
Step 6: The Recovery Road
Recognising burnout was the first step on the road to recovery. It meant setting boundaries, seeking help, and learning to say 'no.' I pretty much stayed off my phone and didn’t answer calls, emails, or anything. I just shut down. I would liken the feeling to going back to a factory reset. You know when your phone isn’t working that well so you switch it off and on again? I think that’s what I did in shutting down and oh I am much better.
Step 7: The True Cost
The real cost of burnout goes far beyond the physical and mental toll. It's the unopened letters that mean you miss out on parking fines which have now doubled and tripled, missed moments from friends’ celebrations, the lost opportunities to even sit down with your partner and share a meal, and the dreams deferred.
Step 8: The Lesson Learned
My journey through burnout taught me that self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. It's about honouring our limits, nurturing our well-being, and prioritising our own happiness. I’ve learnt the importance of an understanding partner and supportive friends who get it when I say “ I didn’t answer your call because I didn’t have the capacity” Burnout is a harsh teacher, but its lessons won’t be forgotten.
In the end, the real cost of burnout is a feeling of deep shame and guilt for the months spent missing out on so much. It is a wake-up call to reevaluate our lives, to cherish our health, and to nurture our relationships. It's a reminder that life is too short to be spent in perpetual exhaustion. So, let's heed the warning signs, take a breath, and embark on the journey to a life filled with balance, health, and genuine joy.
