Work-Life Balance & Burnout
You’ve heard the phrase “work-life balance” tossed around. Maybe even at your specific job.
Does your life energize you or deplete you?
Does any of this resemble what your day is like?
You use an alarm to wake yourself up when you know you need more sleep. You drag yourself into the shower, before pouring yourself a thermos of coffee (or a cereal bowl-sized mug if you’re telecommuting). Perhaps you are also getting children up and dressed and off to school, or getting ready to homeschool. There are pets to care for, and maybe you are starting another long day of caregiving.
You used to do things you enjoyed. You liked to write, make art, go for bike rides or participate in activities. You had friends you would see regularly. You went out and enjoyed socializing. You also enjoyed some time to yourself to reflect, through your writing, travel, or walks.
Now, it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day for you to meet all of your obligations, let alone do things you enjoy.
What balance?
If you are not burnt out yet, you are close to it.
Burn-out feels like you are out of gas.
There is just nothing left to give.
The well is dry.
For those of you who are struggling with burnout, the moment you set up your first initial psychotherapy consultation is the moment that separates your old life from your new one.
At first, psychotherapy may be the only thing you do on a regular basis that is just for you. It is a scheduled time for you to reflect on all that you have taken on, whether intentionally or not.
It is also time for you to remember the “old you,” the one who once knew how to have fun and take time for yourself. Psychotherapy is where you will not only explore how you got here but also how you’ll get back to yourself.
Recovering from burnout and restoring balance does not mean you need to take extended time away from work or home. You and your therapist will find ways for you to rest in motion. You will slowly begin to integrate activities that delight you.
You will learn to listen to that still, small voice inside you that notices what brings you joy. You have pushed that voice aside as responsibilities in your life have grown, but it is still there.
