9 Ideas for Battling Burnout

I’m a week — less than a week — into my “hometreading” journey and I’m already feeling like a failure. I got sucked down the rip current of comparison on social media and the gimmicky but effective marketing articles that make it seem so simple. I see people out there making their dreams happen. Is it all fake or does it just take a lot of practice? Don’t tell me — it’s both, isn’t it?

Ways to keep going when you’re burnt out

I need a game plan if I’m going to fold homesteading and writing and all my other dreams into my crazy mom life. My babies are still really young and dependent on me in so many ways, I know. But while they may be less physically dependent in a few years, their other needs will grow. I want to get a handle on the balancing act and learn to battle this burn out ahead of time, so let’s brainstorm.

1. Fuel the fire

I’ve noticed since starting on Medium and re-igniting my enjoyment of writing, I’ve been more awake. I’ve felt more excitement, enthusiasm and energy than I’ve felt in a really long time, even with the baby/toddler chase, sleep deprivation and sore throat. I’m on to something! Creativity doesn’t have to be a daunting task. And it doesn’t have to inevitably end in exhaustion or drain my batteries. It can actually help me recharge. Find what invigorates you and do more of that. Or do enough to keep you moving.

2. Ingest better foods

And drinks. This is part of my journey with homesteading: the desire to eat and consume healthier, more nutritious foods. I’m convinced it makes a difference in how I feel and overall health. Granted, I’m not great at it. I could use a few more portions of veggies for sure. But I have noticed mushroom coffee has gone a long way in my energy levels and ability to focus. Placebo effect? Maybe. Worth the outcome? One hundred percent.

3. Exercise

I lost a few weeks with sickness but I did hit the gym a few weeks ago and I know it helps. I’m a runner. I need to run. Florida is flippin hot right now and the mosquitoes are swarming, but the air is starting to change. I hope my kids enjoy running with me someday. I can just start small.

4. Break it down

Speaking of starting small, that’s what this process is all about. Aim for small, consistent changes. Don’t try to boil the ocean. Find a small thing and keep at it. And if you fall off the wagon, climb back on. You’re not at the starting line. You’re still ahead. Pick yourself up and keep going.

5. Take a break

I used to sing that line from Hamilton everyday to my son, J, when I was trying to get him to sleep as a baby. Take a break. It’s ok to slow down and rest for a bit. You’ll be refreshed when you’re ready to hit the pavement again. But running on empty — it’s not a great tactic for running, for momming, for problem solving — for anything. Even 5 minutes can make a huge difference. You can afford a break. In fact, you can’t afford NOT to take a break.

6. Prune

You don’t have to do it all. Get strategic about prioritizing what is important, what’s worth your time and why those things matter. Everything else, either let it go or put it on the back burner. Remember, some things aren’t “no” as much as they are “not right now.” Evaluate your season and be realistic about your time. I have two babies under two. I have a million things on both my “need-to-do” list and my “want-to-do” list. But now isn’t the time to do them all. Pick the most valuable.

7. Practice — just try

There’s a time to cut, a time to break and time to push through. Unfortunately, only you can gauge what is or when is right for your situation. There will be times when you don’t feel like going on. You want a break. You want to give up. And you won’t have that luxury. There are some things that aren’t optional or are, again, not things you can opt out of “right now.” Keep going. Persevere and practice. You’ll get better and stronger. And if you don’t, maybe you’ll just get through it and that’s ok, too.

8. Breathe

Here’s one that’s not optional and you get to practice all the time. But while you’re always breathing, take a moment to really breathe. Be intentional about breathing deep. Stop. Take another deep breath. Keep repeating this. And when you can, repeat it again. I know I’m breathing because I’m alive, but rarely do I take a full, healing breath. Every therapist agrees I’d be better for it if I did.

9. Let go

Let go of comparison.

Let go of fear.

Let go of control.

Let go of perfection.

Go limp for a minute and roll with the flow. You’ll find more freedom and headspace. Maybe you’ll even find better results. There’s a weird phenomenon of when you approach something in a way you haven’t before, you sometimes get a different result. Brilliant. If you’re a writer or mom or runner or whatever, sometimes we hit a wall. Writer’s especially get “blocked.” I’ve learned these blockages aren’t really a reflection of your ability. It doesn’t mean you’re out of ideas or not creative or not capable. It’s that self-critique, the inner judge, the existent or imaginary internet trolls living in your noggin, suppressing you. Let go. Oil up and let it roll off like water.

Treading through the overwhelm

Before I started writing this, I’d just gotten home after a very fast, busy day at work, interrupted with nursing sessions and meetings and the cutest vocab lessons from my grinning toddler. I laid my boy to sleep, fed my baby girl to sleep and hugged my husband in the kitchen. Finally — the night to live the way I wanted and I was just exhausted.

Sometimes you just need a pep talk

“I need a nap.”

But it was too late for a nap. I poured a little beverage, grabbed a cookie and went to bed, thinking I was bound for another lost night of momentum. Another lost night of connection. Another lost night of “me” time. All in exchange for sleep I didn’t want but desperately needed.

This was just a pep talk to myself before hitting the hay, feeling defeat. I’m me. I don’t have to be pressured to be anyone else. I’m happy with who I am. I’m happy with the life I have. I’m happy with who and what I’ve created. I’m grateful for what I’ve been given. I’ve grateful for the people in my life.

I didn’t need a nap after all. I just needed a pep talk.

Maybe that’s you, too.

Naps are bonus.

Cheers to life, dreams, creativity and let’s hope, a full night’s sleep.