How tired I feel these days is an understatement, and to top it insomnia follows!
I have a million things to chase up on, new business ventures, collaborations, corporate clients, seminars, TV & Radio shows, lectures… and of course I am a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, a daughter and a friend .. Oh! I also have to exercise a bit, pay attention to my diet and my looks … The most common question I am asked lately is “How do I manage?” or better yet “How do I manage and still smile? Was I always like this?”
Well honestly, the answer is NO, it hasn’t always been easy, and for sure I am not constantly smiling or in the best of moods. Nonetheless, having experienced an unfortunate total burnout, and after a decade of training for & working in coaching, I am now in a position to withstand demanding situations such as the above. This article gives me the opportunity to formulate what now comes naturally to me – with some effort of course -hoping that I will also help you avoid “burning out” your “system” :
- Recognize that you have overloaded your system with things to do. Every imbalance has a price to pay. The physical melt down reaction is usually the last sign you’ll experience. Ideally you need to make corrections to your daily habits before your body crashes, unfortunately most of us overlook it and the outcome can be disastrous.
- Define a time limit that will not exhaust you. Despite the importance or the rationale behind your reasons for functioning under great pressure, it is best that you define a personal limit on yourself, one that you can respect and follow diligently. Of course there will be exceptions to the rule. And what better exception than your sanity & tranquility? Re-asses yourself now, define how much you can take on, and at the same time take care of yourself. The important factor is to be able to say “STOP”. Or else what is the value of our everyday life if we can’t enjoy it?
- Remember “WHY”. Most often we take up things we love doing and in the process we get side tracked by challenges, routine and other needs to a point that we forget “why we started”. Keep your “Why” alive. Some deviations will occur, as long as you recognize them and get back on your initial track, you’ll be OK.
- Ask for help and understanding. Explain “your why” to those closest to you, your family, your colleagues, your friends and ask for what you think most appropriate. If for example you are going through a time consuming phase, talk about your ultimate goal with those close to you and ask for assistance. Even if they cannot help you, it will certainly be easier for them to relate and tolerate you (even forgive you!)
- Enjoy and celebrate small & big achievements. The worst enemy of our confidence and happiness is the feeling of un-fulfillment. Hence make the best of any small or big achievements. Celebrate each moment and ideally share your accomplishments with your loved ones. Don’t forget that in a way they have helped you along the way.
- Keep an open mind. There will always be questions and no assurances. Always remember that there are not right or wrong decisions. The only decisions that exist are the ones we believe in or don’t believe in. Everything else we experience are mere lessons of life. Keep your mind and heart open at all times and always remember that you have learned from each situation… and in time the hardship will pass.
- Reboot – Start something in a new and interesting way. Take a rest, take care of yourself, meet and enjoy your friends, your family, go out, take advantage of every opportunity you get, trust others to do their part. Sleep well and take a well-deserved vacation. Luckily vacation time is just around the corner!
