The Art of Taking a Break: Avoiding Burnout
Take a Break!
Navigating careers can be a bumpy ride, and one of the toughest patches we might hit is dealing with a layoff. It's a situation that can easily lead to burnout if we're not mindful. So, let's dive into why it's essential to give ourselves a breather after a layoff and how this pause can help us dodge the burnout bullet. Get ready for a ride as we explore transforming this time of change into a golden opportunity for self-care and growth.
My own journey took an unexpected turn in March when I was informed that my role would be coming to an end. Initially, a wave of sadness washed over me, followed by a surprising sense of relief from the anxiety that had taken hold. Over the two weeks following my conversation with HR, I experienced a roller coaster of emotions, ranging from anger and confusion to determination. As I allowed myself to fully experience these feelings, it became clear that I had been grappling with burnout well before my official exit date. The decision that had been made for me was, in fact, a blessing in disguise, granting me a much-needed respite.
In April, I had made up my mind. I wanted to take a breather before diving back into the demands of a full-time position. While I didn't have all the answers about the duration or specifics of this break, one thing was certain: I was determined to avoid rushing into another full-time commitment and potentially repeating the burnout cycle.
Now, let's chat about burnout for a moment…
The Inside Scoop on Burnout:
Burnout is that unwelcome guest who barges in, overstays their welcome, and leaves a trail of chaos behind. Familiar, right? Here are five ways it can sneak up on us:
Workload Overload: Chasing career dreams relentlessly can leave us feeling drained. Juggling multiple responsibilities without a break can easily lead to exhaustion.
Boundaries? What Boundaries?: When we blur the lines between work and life, we're always "on," and that's not a sustainable way to live. We all need moments of downtime.
Neglecting Self-Care: Self-care often takes a backseat when work becomes an all-consuming force. But neglecting self-care can come back to haunt us in a big way.
Groundhog Day Rut: Doing the same routine day after day can lead to feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle, draining the excitement from life.
Stress Slow-Burn: Stress can build up gradually, sneaking in until it's running the show, wreaking havoc on our overall well-being.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I found myself grappling with three out of these five burnout triggers, with the most significant challenge being stress slowly creeping in. Since 2020, I had been on an unpredictable stress roller coaster, and stepping away from my organization became the turning point that led me to embrace a fresh start—a new chapter that started with taking a much-needed break.
Early on, I realized something important: I didn't know how to unwind, step away, and simply do nothing. My mind raced, and guilt gnawed at me if I slept past 8 am or spent an hour immersed in a book. Gradually, I began to find my own ways to take a break.
Here are some of the steps I took to embrace a much-needed breather:
Connecting: I reached out to friends and family for support and companionship.
Seeking Guidance: Regular sessions with my therapist became a crucial part of my break.
Self-Care Rituals: I indulged in regular massages and facials to pamper myself and recharge.
Exploration: I took walks outdoors, both in my neighborhood and on the treadmill.
Rediscovering my neighborhood and beyond: I explored nearby neighborhoods, discovering charming coffee shops, farmer's markets, and engaging activities.
Embracing Learning: I spent time at the local library and coffee shops, reading books that piqued my interest.
Embarking on Adventures: I embraced travel, going on day trips, weekend getaways, and even longer week-long excursions.
Remember, taking a break after a layoff isn't just about lounging around; it's about discovering new experiences, nurturing your well-being, and letting yourself breathe. Each of us has a unique path to unwinding, and by acknowledging the importance of taking a breather, you're setting yourself up for a revitalized, fulfilling journey ahead.
Take the break!
Antonia