So, here's the thing: I've always been that person who tried to do it all. You know, the type who never asks for help because they've convinced themselves that independence is the ultimate sign of strength. And as for achievements? I was all about collecting them like trophies. Spoiler alert: that lifestyle handed me a one-way ticket to Burnout City.
The Non-Stop Hustle
The mantra was clear growing up: be self-reliant and work your tail off. I took that to heart, big time. I juggled everything alone, convinced that reaching out was admitting defeat. My life became a never-ending cycle of reaching goals and then pushing the goalposts further away.
But here's the kicker: the more I pushed, the more complicated things got. My health took a nosedive, friendships felt strained, and work? Let's say my spark was fizzling out. I was running on empty, and it wasn't long before I hit a wall. I tried to pretend this wasn't happening for a long time. I put on a brave face, and then...
Hello, Burnout
That's right, I burned out. Hard. It was like my body and mind staged an intervention, forcing me to realize this whole solo superhero act was anything but sustainable.
Admitting I was burned out felt like a defeat at first. But it also marked the start of something new—a journey toward finding a better way to handle stress and live my life. I had to drop the mask.
The Chill-Out Phase
Coming to terms with my burnout was the wake-up call I needed. It was tough, but it taught me many essential lessons about keeping my stress levels in check. Here's what worked for me:
- Leaning on My Squad: Sharing my struggles made them much easier to bear. Friends, family, and even coaches got me through some tough spots. I have learned to ask for help even when that feels hard to do.
- Drawing the Line: I got serious about setting boundaries. Saying "no" became my new superpower, protecting my time and energy like never before. This was maybe the toughest part for me, and I’ll write a blog about that next week.
- Self-care Isn't Selfish: I revamped my routine to prioritize exercise, SLEEP, and, yes, even meditation. Relax and release is my new mantra. Those who knew past versions of me would find this one particularly hard to believe!
- Perfect is Boring: Embracing my flaws and letting go of the perfection quest was surprisingly freeing. Mistakes happen, and that's okay.
- Living in the Now: I started appreciating the here and now instead of obsessing over what's next. It's all about finding joy in the little things and being grateful for what I have.
Keeping It Balanced
Rebalancing my life hasn't been a walk in the park (at all!), but it's been worth it. I've learned that it's okay not to have it all figured out and that taking a step back/asking for help doesn't mean giving up—it means giving myself a chance to breathe.
If you're feeling the heat of too much pressure, I hope my story gives you a little nudge to take care of yourself. It's about finding that sweet spot where you can chase your dreams without running yourself into the ground.
So, here's to living a life that's a bit more balanced and a lot more joyful. Trust me, it's possible, and you totally deserve it. Hit me up if you want to explore more.
