Relaxing the Brain to avoid Burnout?
So after talking with a listener, and looking up some stuff online, I think I may be in the beginning stages of burnout. Still well enough I can make myself do the things I need to do, but far enough that my body will start giving off warning signs if I work for too long.
My problem was that I'm still taking time to sleep properly, and try to take breaks at work, like listening to music during my downtime and whatnot, so I couldn't see how I could be burnt out since I was still taking breaks. Then I realized that even though I was resting my body and taking physical breaks, I haven't been able to take mental breaks. Even when I rest I feel like I'm "wasting time" or I'm thinking about all the other work I have to do, or thinking about all the other people I have to take care of, and if they're alright, etc. Basically, I'm still feeling a small amount of stress even when I'm supposed to be relaxing.
I think in the past, I was "punished" for trying to mentally relax, like when I took time for myself and just tried to have some fun for a while or something. I was surrounded by people who never wanted me to relax and take time to recover for myself. Now those people are gone, but I can't let go of that constant need to work.
And on top of that, I have this crippling fear of complacency. I'm 31, and I've seen people much older than me missing out on their dreams and never fulfilling their plans because they just didn't think about it, and I don't want to be like that. I know I have "time" right now, but I don't want to lose out on it, and I feel like I've already missed out on so much. These last five years I haven't been able to chase my dreams like I wanted to because I was dealing with so much stuff, and now that I'm finally free, I should want to go head first into all my plans of the past. But I don't want to because I'm constantly tired and so done with everything.
I feel like if I don't do things "now" then I never will. Like I'll give up on all my dreams and just spiral further and further into depression. I hate my life and want to change it, but that's hard to do when your own body feels like it's giving up.
@HidaYasu Mindfulness meditation might help your brain get the rest you need. It may also help you be more efficient in pursuing your dreams.
@HidaYasu
I feel you. I just got out of a year and a half of homeless, that was caused by 3 years of living with my abusive family, which was caused by 7 months in jail, which was caused by mental health problems in another state, which was caused by sexual assault, which was not helped when I was exhausted from college. I'm 35 now. College was definitely over 10 years ago.
I finally found an excellent, stable place to live. It has everything I need. I'm on SSDI and don't need to work for a long time if I don't want to or can't. I cut off my abusive family and they haven't bothered me for a good long time. You would think that I would be in some sort of rebound, like you said with hopes and dreams and things that were put on hold for so long.
Yesterday all I did was have a coffee and read a book at the laundromat 4 blocks away while I cleaned my clothes. By the time I was done, I was literally wheezing down the road and when I got inside I had to lay in bed the rest of the night.
I don't know about you but friend, I think we both deserve a break.
@BriLovesEveryone
Holy **** that really put it into perspective, thank you for sharing that. My life has been similar to that the last ten years or so. One crisis after another. I think unconsciously I've been putting off the "break" because I'm pretty sure if I indulge, I'll never want to come back out lol. (And again, guilt associated with taking a break I'm still trying to break free from.)
I'm sorry to hear what happened to you, and I'm glad you finally have some stability in your life. Thinking of you just taking the time to read and enjoy yourself reminded me that what I've been missing is real joy in my life. Just the ability to be happy for a while.
Here's to hoping that both of our vacations are restful and fulfilling.