Everyone at some point or another (for me quite often!) will feel the weight of burnout. It is so important to practice selfcare to help avoid or pull yourself out of burnout.
Over the years I have found when I am struggling with burnout it often leads to depression. After my first child, and each one since I have been struck with postpartum depression. This is a little different for me than the depression that hits with burnout.
When I am burned out I find myself struggling to want to finish projects I have waiting for me, lacking the energy to do my daily chores, and just plain tired all the time.
There are several strategies I use to battle this burnout/depression and I want to share some with you!
This is not an all inclusive list. I plan to share many ideas over time, this will just a be a few that I have used recently.
When it comes to battling burnout with selfcare its a very unique situation to each person. Try different things and keep track of what helps you. I try to keep a list of things I can do as one thing might not work every time.
Enjoy Something Warm
One of my first go to selfcare treatments when I feel burnout rearing its exhausting head is to find a little quiet time...which is hard with four kids and a farm...and enjoy a warm drink.
Find something you really enjoy to drink but don't have often, for me this is either raspberry tea or hot chocolate. I make a quiet spot, where no one can bother me and just sip and feel the warmth.
It may sound simple, and the great thing is it! Many times this is all it has taken to give me a little refresher to face the rest of the day, or the next day.
Soak In The Sun
My next selfcare strategy I sometimes pair with my nice warm drink.
Get outside and soak in some sunshine. This can be sitting on my back deck drinking my hot chocolate or taking a walk around the property.
The sun is so beneficial for our bodies, the movement may provide some much needed exercise and the fresh air always seems to bring new energy into my body.
Sometimes it can be hard to get outside when burnout is heavy but even just a few minutes can make a big difference in how you feel.
Get Dressed
I try to make sure I am dressed for the day when I have been struggling with burn out.
Even if I am not going anywhere or seeing anyone, it just makes me feel so much better.
I don't have to be dressed fancy, but getting out of frumpy clothes, doing my hair, and a touch of makeup can really help me feel more awake and ready to face the day.
Clean
Now before anyone pulls out the pitchforks hear me out!
I hate cleaning and never have the energy to do it when I am burnt out, but this has been one of my selfcare techniques that has been very impactful.
There are some rules though...
First this must be an area or space in your home that is yours.
It needs to be a place that has been bothering you/nagging at you but you never have time to take care of it.
You only do this one space then take a break!
For me this is either my bedroom (specifically my side of the room and my night stand) or my master bathroom.
These spaces tend to get dumped by others in my family when they have something they don't know where to put it. They are also very neglected because lets face it, I'm a mom and I have a million other places to clean...so my space is last on the list.
I pick one space, tidy it up, move out all the things that don't belong...normally I call my kids in and have them clear out all their things they have ditched in my room.
Then I wipe it all down, vacuum it and then take a break in the space so I can enjoy the clean and refreshing work I just did.
It can be hard to start when you feel like crud, but let me tell you when I clear this space, make it all clean, just for me! It makes a huge difference in how I feel!
Spend Time With Those You Love
Burnout and depression can make you feel very isolated while simultaneously zapping your energy making it hard for you to reach out.
A big selfcare item I try to do is spend time with those I love.
This may be just a phone call with a family member who lives far away. Going on a date with your significant other. Or a night out with your friends.
Playing board games with my kids or watching a movie with them just cuddling can really rejuvenate me. Yes they can ware me out, but having that time with them where we can just have fun can be really refreshing.
I hope these selfcare ideas are helpful to anyone struggling with burnout. Let me know in the comments below what you do to take care of your self!
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