From Burnout To Balance
My Personal Journey and Three Key Steps for more Balance
Have you ever experienced burnout? It sneaks up on many of us, often at the end of a long year or after a major life event that drains our mental energy. Balancing work, home, and everything in between can be overwhelming. I know because I've been through numerous seasons of burnout without even realizing it. The exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and loss of motivation became so familiar, I didn’t see it happening until it was too late.
What I didn’t understand for years was that burnout isn’t something that just “happens.” It’s the result of ignoring early signs and pushing yourself too far for too long. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone, and it’s crucial to take action before burnout becomes unmanageable. Full burnout can last for months, but understanding its root cause is a game-changer. It certainly was for me.
When I started addressing the true reasons behind my burnout, I found solutions that worked. For me, it was about tackling deficiencies—minerals and vitamins that my body wasn’t absorbing properly, thanks to my genetic makeup (MTHFR mutation) which refers to genetic variations in the MTHFR gene. That insight helped me design a lifestyle that supports my health and prevents me from running on empty. Along with understanding how my brain is genetically wired.
Burnout isn’t inevitable. The key is taking action before you get to the breaking point. Understanding the root cause allows you to either avoid burnout or overcome it more easily.
That’s where my Three R Approach comes in: Refine, Rest, and Reconnect. This framework helps you align your life, one intentional step at a time. If you're someone who is always moving at high speed but secretly yearns for a slower, more peaceful pace, I get it. Start by applying one or more of the steps below to move towards more calm and less chaos in your life.
Refine Your Calendar
The first step in creating calm is to refine your schedule. Start by reviewing your calendar. What commitments are fixed, and what can be adjusted? Recently, my family and I realised that our kids had activities scheduled five nights a week. The result? Rushed dinners, late bedtimes, and exhausted mornings. We scaled back and prioritized what mattered most. The change was transformative.
Now, our evenings are more peaceful, and our mornings are less rushed. Quality over quantity applies not just to tasks but to how we spend time together. Focus on what brings you joy and let go of the rest. The space you create will help everyone thrive. Establish a routine that works for you!
Rest and Self-Care
Once you've refined your schedule and reduced unnecessary commitments, it’s time to focus on rest. Self-care isn’t something you should save for when you're at your breaking point. If you’ve been putting off self-care because it feels overwhelming, start small. You don’t need an elaborate routine. Refine what you actually need and use and gradually build it into your day.
Begin with mindfulness and meditation. Set aside a few minutes each week in a calm space to centre yourself and quieten your mind. As with self-care, consistency will come with time. You can use apps like Headspace to guide you or explore other resources that suit your needs.
Reconnect with what matters
In our digital world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant notifications and online noise. Giving yourself a digital detox is a great way to restore mental clarity and reduce stress. Set aside specific times each day to unplug. For example, you could turn off notifications, establish set hours for social media, or even designate a full day to be screen-free—Sunday is my tech-free day!
When I step away from the screen, I reconnect with myself and my family in meaningful ways. Simple activities like walking in nature, reading, or just being present with loved ones can transform your energy and perspective. Remember, a digital detox isn’t about deprivation—it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter.
Nature has an incredible ability to help us recharge. Spend time outdoors, walking barefoot, or just soaking in the quiet. Bringing plants into your home is another way to reconnect with nature, creating a peaceful, grounded environment that reduces stress.
Burnout happens when we’re constantly juggling too much. By refining your schedule and making space for rest and time to reconnect, you’ll find yourself moving towards a life with less chaos and more balance. Remember, if you’re experiencing serious symptoms of burnout, it’s essential to seek professional support.
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