You’re Not Burnout… You’re Out of Alignment

Photo Credit: Katerina Hillios - Mental Health Awareness Campaign Design

I've just recently returned home from a seven-month journey exploring the world, and I've found myself in a whirlwind of emotions. It's been a time of deep reflection, not just on the incredible experiences of the past months, but on the past decade that has shaped my life. The highs, the lows, and the countless moments of growth in between - It's been a beautiful reminder of the resilience we have as humans, and the transformative power of self-discovery.

As I reconnect to the rhythm of my everyday life, I'm reminded of a time not too long ago, when I was teetering on the edge of burnout in a past career. Despite having numerous tools at my disposal, I struggled to understand how to effectively utilize them, and how to "fix" what I was experiencing. My journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of finding alignment in our lives.

If you've ever felt like you’re burning the candle at both ends, dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, powering through your day (after day, after day), and collapsing into bed at night feeling completely drained.. this weeks newsletter may be helpful to you.

First, let me reassure, you’re not alone. Many of us experience these symptoms of “burnout” at some point in our lives, particularly among professionals and entrepreneurs due to the high-pressure nature of their work environments.

Approximately 89% of workers have experienced burnout within the past year. But, this isn't just an inconvenience; it dramatically impacts both our physical and mental health. Beyond the immediate feelings of overwhelm and fatigue - chronic stress can deeply disrupt our physiological systems, leading to a cascade of negative long term effects. From compromised immune function to increased risk of health issues, the toll of unmanaged stress extends far beyond the realm of mental well-being. It also tends to impact our daily lives - straining relationships, robbing our creativity, and impacting our feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

We need to start recognizing stress as more than just a fleeting emotion, but something that directly shapes our health and happiness - when we do this, it's the first step toward taking back our power and building resilience.

Here's the thing though...

When we hear the term “burnout,” we often think of exhaustion, overwhelm, and a general feeling of being fed up with work and life. Most of us assume that burnout is a result of overworking or pushing ourselves too hard for too long… but what if I told you that isn’t always the complete picture? And that what you’re experiencing might be a sign, that something more is out of alignment?

The Reality of Burnout

The reality is that burnout is often a symptom of deeper issues. So, if strictly overworking, isn’t the root cause of our feelings of exhaustion, disconnection, and burnout... what is? Through extensive research, Christina Maslach, a leading expert on burnout, has identified six common reasons why someone experiences burnout:

1. Workload: One of the most obvious causes of burnout is an excessive workload. When we’re constantly inundated with tasks and responsibilities, it can feel like we’re drowning in work, leaving us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed

2. Control: Another factor that can contribute to burnout is a lack of control over our work environment. When we feel like we have little autonomy or decision-making power, it can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness

3. Reward: A lack of recognition and reward for our efforts can also contribute to burnout. When we feel like our hard work isn’t being acknowledged or appreciated, it can be demoralizing and disheartening

4. Community: Our relationships and sense of community in the workplace can also impact our levels of burnout. When we feel isolated or unsupported by our colleagues or others, it can exacerbate feelings of stress and exhaustion

5. Fairness: Perceptions of fairness or unfairness in our work, can also influence burnout. When we feel like we’re being treated unfairly or unjustly compared to our peers or others, it can breed resentment and bitterness

6. Values: Finally, burnout can occur when our work is out of alignment with our values, beliefs, and purpose. When we’re forced to compromise our integrity or work against our principles, it can lead to a profound sense of disappointment and disconnection

Heres the good news though - once we can recognize that burnout may actually be a sign of being out of alignment in one or multiple of these areas… it can bring a sense of relief. It means that there’s a way out, that you don’t need to constantly be on the rollercoaster of riding a high, then hitting another patch of burnout. By taking steps to realign ourselves with what truly matters to us and bringing awareness to what may be throwing us off track, we can begin to reclaim our energy, passion, and joy.

So, if you’ve been feeling like you’re on the brink of, or experiencing burnout... take a breath, you’re not alone, and there is a way forward.

First, if you're experiencing burnout symptoms, you need to prioritize your well-being. A powerful way to do this is by engaging in active recovery at least 2 times a week for a minimum of 60 minutes each session. This could include activities like restorative or yin yoga, meditation, a sauna session or a hot bath, or simply spending time in nature - to help regulate your nervous system. Additionally, ensure you're prioritizing sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours each night, and maintaining a balanced diet with clean, unprocessed foods and adequate hydration.

Secondly, take a moment to reflect on what might be currently out of alignment in your work and/or life. Is it purely work overload, or is there something else that you've identified as contributing to your feelings of burnout? Once you've identified areas that are out of alignment, take one tangible step today to move closer to alignment. Whether it’s setting boundaries, reassessing your priorities, or seeking support from a mentor or coach.. every small step counts.