Battling Burnout

Making life sustainable, livable, a place where joy can get any kind of foothold when you’re under a mountain of stress takes some serious skill. Luckily for us, I just finished reading a great book about it that takes a science-based approach to battling the stress we can’t avoid (from the stressors that are too big for any of us to tackle alone). *Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle* by Emily and Amy Nagoski is a great read, with a strong feminist slant. If you aren’t ready to check it out for yourself, don’t worry! I’ve borrowed some of their best strategies to build this month’s challenge. This challenge offers a chance to practice stress busting techniques that build powerful resistance in everyday life for body and mind.

Habit:

I connected with others today (One way we can battle stress is by connecting with people who help us feel calm and safe. This can mean calling or texting or spending time with people in person. It can also mean expressing ourselves with art or writing and connecting with an audience by telling our stories.)

I rested and cared for myself today (Battling stress doesn’t have to look warlike! You can take off your armor and slip into a hot bath, take a nap, or spend time with a cuddly pet. Take time for yourself to do a hobby, unwind with a show, or read a book.)

I lived by my ideals today (How can you connect with your values and pursue something meaningful to you? Maybe you like to give back to your community or take loving care of a family or a space. Maybe you’re working for a better world by caring for the Earth! Whatever moves you.)

I was kind to myself today (Any time you make mistakes or fall short of your goals, make a special effort to treat yourself gently. You’re just one small, struggling human among many, doing your own small best, and that’s okay.)

I released stress from my body today (I did some vigorous exercise, or danced, or tensed all my muscles in groups, from my toes to my head, as tight as I could, held for ten seconds, and released all that tension back out. I hugged someone for twenty seconds or more. I meditated until I felt totally grounded.)

To Do:

Check off one or more habits every day this month. The more you can manage, the better-balanced you may feel! But don’t let this challenge become a source of stress.

 If it helps you, try writing down what you did on a handy worksheet.

Reflection:

This challenge was basically what I needed for the whole of 2020-21. And I think the members of Living Vividly got just as much out of it as I did. Be kind to yourself. And if you have a chance, read Burnout!