Lessons I’ve Learned Healing from Burnout
It Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It
I was laid off in November of 2022, throughout that time I decided to enjoy the holidays with friends and family to keep in high spirits. Then my journey of the job search began. I recognized even through the job search, I was still getting burnt out. I slowly found balance again, time blocking in order to fall in love with things I used to love, explore, and create. It’s been a year, and a few months later, I have healed as much as I could from burnout while I'm running my own freelancing business. Here are the lessons I’ve learned healing from burnout.
Healing Isn’t Linear
Healing is definitely not linear. There are days where I felt, “Okay, I can get back into the groove,” but then the next day, I’d be sleeping in until the afternoon. It goes in waves and well, the best course of action? Take it one step at a time and go with the flow!
Healing Isn’t Quick
Similar to healing not being linear, it isn’t quick either. Personally, I thought after the holidays in, I’d have enough rest to go gung ho but in reality, I didn’t have the energy. I wasn’t 100% there and that’s when I knew I had a long time to process a few things. It is known that it takes an average time of three months to a year to recover from burnout. That depends on your personal emotional/physical fatigue and don’t forget any periods of relapsing from burnout.
You’ll Fall in Love with Hobbies You Used to Love
It was about 5 months into my burnout healing journey, I fell back in love with the things I used to love. I started visiting my local library to read books and bought a few books of my own too (while they were typically self-help books). I also found my love for abstract art and use it to heal myself as well.
You Might Feel Guilty, But That’s Okay! Rest up!
The guilt that comes from healing is really inevitable. Especially if you’re someone who used to need to be productive every hour of the day like me. While you might feel guilty about resting, remember it’s part of the healing process and it’s important! Rest up, especially if you have the opportunity. Another thing about feeling guilty… don’t! Instead, reframe that feeling to “I am giving myself the time to heal.”
As You’re Healing, Do Not Stack Too Many Things on Your Plate
What I learned is while I am healing to not stack more additional projects/plans on my plate. The point of healing from burnout is to reset so you can back to the groove. Instead, spend time with family and friends, do things to better your health such as new activities like soccer, running, or more gym time, and find something you used to love again!
