Over the years, I’ve struggled a lot with burnout. I’m always on the go, and I’m not someone who likes to take breaks. It’s taken a while for me to understand that rest is productive because I’m the kind of person who will literally work themselves until they are exhausted and crash. It doesn’t matter if it’s at work, back when I was in undergrad (where I was a triple major), etc. I’m going and going until I literally can’t anymore.
More often than not, I will have periods of EXTREME productivity which are followed by a long burnout period. This typically lasts until I’m able to rest and recover, and can take anywhere from days to about a week. The burnout period really sucks, because I feel like I can’t do or create anything because I’m Kelly Price Tired. This would be why I didn’t post any new content last week, and it’s starting to sink in that this is no longer a sustainable way for me to go about things. I have to be intentional about taking breaks more often so that I can avoid burnout.
When I do experience burnout, there are a few things that I like to do that help me rest and recover so that I can bounce back. The main focus is just allowing myself to get mental and physical rest so that I can recover.
7 things that I do, to help me recover from burnout:
1) Listen to Instrumental Music
Whenever I feel really overwhelmed, or I’m trying to relax my mind at work, I like to listen to instrumental music. I like to listen to podcasts and audiobooks a lot, but sometimes I just need a break from having to process words and conversations. So I’ll start listening to spa music, piano covers, and instrumental covers of songs that I like. I do have some solid classical/romantic era playlists as well (s/o to my Music degree), but that’s not really my go-to.
2) Aromatherapy
My Eucalyptus & Spearmint Stress Relief Candle from Bath and Body Works, was one of my best self-care purchases this year. I put it on my candle warmer (Around $4 at Walmart. Game. Changer.) towards the end of the night to help me unwind, or whenever I sit down to write new blog posts. It helps me relax, and make my room smell like a spa. It’s lit.
3) Write In My Journal
Whenever I find myself talking about something too much, I know it’s time to write in my journal. This isn’t something that I do on a daily basis, but whenever something is weighing heavily on my mind or heart. Writing it down helps me to process my feelings, and feel like I’m getting whatever is bothering me out of my system.
4) Binge Watch A TV Series
Binge watching a tv series on Netflix or Hulu is my favorite way to take a mental break. I just got through seasons 1-4 of the Real Housewives of Potomac, and it gave me all the giggles I sorely needed. I also suggest the Crown, Love Island, Love is Blind, and anything Shonda Rhimes touches.
5) Get Cute
It’s true that when you look good, you feel good. When I’m trying to recover from burnout, I like to try and make it a point to get super cute at least once. Even if I’m just going to run errands. Taking the time to do my hair, makeup, and put on a nice outfit is an instant mood booster for me. Even if you’re just going out in sweatpants, you can still make it cute sis.
6) Make Time for myself
Making time for myself and by myself is really important. I’m an introvert, and while I do like to be around people, I recharge and recover best when I’m solo. For this reason, I find it important to make time to do things just for me. I like to schedule self-care time, and go for a pedicure or just do stuff that I want to do. Listen to trap music and make new outfits in my closet, put on cute pajamas, make some tasty mocktails with my favorite skinny syrups, whatever. The point is to set aside some time that is just for me, even if I’m just going on a walk.
7) Get Inspired Again
Feeling inspired again is usually the biggest thing that helps me bounce back from burnout. Pinterest is usually a huge source of visual inspiration for me, and sometimes I just like to sit and watch videos on YouTube. I find that when I’m experiencing burnout, I feel completely uninspired. After taking some time to clear my mind and my space, I’m in a place where I can get inspired again and bounce back.
So there it is y’all, 7 things that I do to help me bounce back from burnout. Do you find yourself experiencing burnout sometimes? What helps you bounce back? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
Stylishly Yours,
Theresa Seyi
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