Embracing Spring: A Season of Renewed Hope for the Burned Out
Guest Post by Katrina Neil
As the chill of winter fades away and the first buds of spring begin to appear, there’s often a palpable sense of hope and renewal in the air. For many of us who have experienced burnout, this season can serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible, and a brighter, more hopeful chapter lies ahead.
Recognizing Burnout
As a mom, wife, and entrepreneur who has navigated the challenges of high-functioning burnout, I intimately understand the overwhelming nature of this experience. The constant juggle of responsibilities, the pressure to excel in every role, and the looming fear of failure can gradually wear down even the most resilient individuals.
If you had asked me a year ago how I was doing, I would have brushed off your concerns with a quick "I’m fine, just busy." And that's the thing—we often don’t realize we’re barreling toward burnout (or back towards burnout) because we’re just living our lives. The kids need to get to school, the house won’t stock itself with groceries, there are emails piling up, the dog needs walking, the kids have after-school activities, and oh, now my husband can’t find his sock. And did the dog just eat that sock? Now we're heading to the vet (even though my husband probably doesn't want his sock back), and before you know it, it’s dinner time and—whoops—I guess I never did get to those groceries. Looks like it’s pizza night again...that’s life. But what if there’s more to it?
Burnout can creep in subtly and you may not even recognize its presence because you're a natural at multi-tasking, and let’s ne honest, you really don’t have time for burnout, until one day, you can’t keep up anymore. When burnout takes hold, everything can grind to a halt and it can feel very isolating, very alone, and very dark.
On top of that, we live in a world that aspires to perfection. We're supposed to have it all together, to never let things get to us, and to always be fine. If we're feeling tired, well, it must be because we've said yes to one too many things. We have a functioning excuse for every possible scenario that could lead to burnout, except for the one that truly allows us to look within ourselves and ask for the support we need to get through it. And that in itself can make it incredibly challenging to admit that you just might need help. And let’s be clear, burnout is real, women around the world are experiencing it at alarmingly increased rates, and if that’s you, you’re not broken and you’re not alone. This is your permission slip to take your life back.
Assessing Burnout
So how do you know when you’re just overcommitted or if you’re experiencing burnout?
There’s a lot of incredible tools and assessments to use, but here are a few indicators to pay attention to. I also highly recommend taking Tevi’s Burnout Assessment for a more personalized results.
Are you feeling exhausted? Constantly feeling tired, even after a good night's sleep, can be a sign of burnout. You may find it difficult to muster the energy to complete everyday tasks.
Are especially (or as it was in my case, excessively) cynical and detached? You might start feeling detached from your work, family, or friends. You may also develop a cynical outlook, feeling more negative or irritable than usual.
Are you getting less done? Burnout can lead to a decrease in your performance, both at work and in your personal life. You might struggle to concentrate, make decisions, or complete tasks efficiently. You may find yourself often zoning out (or in my case it was realizing I was zoning back in).
I’ve found myself answering yes to these questions a little more often than I’d like to admit. Despite trying to be mindful and tune in to my personal rhythms, I still end up on the brink sometimes. Admitting to myself that I was burnt out was tough. It made me feel like I was failing, yet strangely, it also gave me a glimmer of hope. It was the first step on my ongoing journey—a journey I'm still very much on.
As someone who's always striving for perfection, I tend to fall back into old habits, pushing myself too far for too long. While I'm quicker to recognize it now, the shadow of burnout still lingers, waiting for a chance to strike. And I know I’m not the only one with this experience.
Life After Burnout
Staying hopeful can feel like an uphill battle, especially when faced with setbacks. However, during my most recent experience with burnout, I came up with a couple of analogies which were inspired by the arrival of spring that I hope by sharing, can inspire sparks of hope for anyone fighting their own burnout battle.
Full disclosure, I’m a winter gal. The snow doesn’t bother me and I lover a crips chilly morning, BUT spring is a time of new beginnings, a time to let go of the past and embrace the future with optimism and hope. As the world around us bursts into bloom, allow yourself to hope, to rediscover your passions and dreams, and to step into the light of a new day with courage and determination. Each effort to combat burnout, no matter how small, is a step forward. We all stumble, but as long as we're trying, we're moving in the right direction. And sometimes, a little encouragement is all we need to keep going. So here’s my three favourite springtime analogies to inspire hope:
Analogies of Hope
Burnout can be an insidious companion, sapping our energy and enthusiasm until even the smallest tasks feel like monumental challenges. Yet, as we witness nature's resilience during the spring season, we're reminded that our own capacity for renewal is equally profound. Like the blossoming flowers breaking through the soil, we too can find the strength to push through adversity and embrace the possibilities of a new day.
In the depths of burnout, it can be easy to lose sight of our own worth and potential. However, the season of spring offers a gentle nudge to believe in ourselves again. As the world around us awakens from its winter slumber, we're encouraged to shed our doubts and fears, and to step boldly into the light of possibility. Spring reminds us that we are capable of growth, change, and resilience, even in the face of our greatest challenges.
Sometimes, the simple act of finding hope can feel like an impossible task, especially when burnout has dimmed our inner light. However, spring teaches us that hope is not always about grand gestures or monumental achievements. It's about the small, everyday victories—the moments when we find the strength to get out of bed, make a cup of coffee, and face the day with renewed determination. These small acts of resilience are the seeds from which hope grows, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Throughout life, burnout can sneak in like an uninvited guest, disrupting our rhythm and dimming our light. But, just like the seasons change, so can our outlook and resilience. Spring serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth. It encourages us to shed the weight of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of reality, to find strength in vulnerability, and to seek support when we need it most. As we navigate the challenges of burnout, remember that you are not alone in this journey, and with each step forward, you are one step closer to rediscovering your light and reclaiming your joy.
