Burnout: A Very Personal Narrative (Work In Progress)

I've always been a hard worker especially having parents that were handworkers. I'm the type of person who takes pride in my work and always strives to do my best. But there are times when my work ethic starts to work against me. I work ridiculously long hours, taking on too much responsibility, oversee more than should be humanly possible and this can have me feeling increasingly stressed and overwhelmed and burnt out.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. It typically occurs when individuals push themselves beyond their limits without taking adequate time for rest and self-care. Burnout can happen for various reasons, including excessive workload, lack of control over one's work, lack of support or recognition, and a mismatch between personal values and organizational goals.

Reasons why burnout happens is the tendency to prioritize work over personal well-being. Many people feel the pressure to constantly perform and meet high expectations, often neglecting our own needs in the process. This can lead to a cycle of overworking, neglecting self-care activities, and ultimately experiencing burnout. Additionally, we may have difficulty setting boundaries and saying no to additional responsibilities, leading to an overwhelming workload that becomes unsustainable.

In my case, burn out happens for a number of reasons.

One: I don't want others to take on the huge workload I have and, so I find myself doing my tasks and the tasks of others.

Two: I have had a strong desire to excel in my work and to prove to myself, leading me to take on more tasks and responsibilities than I should.

Three: I want so much to succeed so I can offer my daughter and those around me a better life that I don't always prioritize my own well-being, putting work ahead of self-care activities.

Four: My lack of patience makes me want to do everything as to not have to wait for others. I waited for others so much in the past and it never got me anywhere. So, I started up my own business, started writing my own songs, directing my own shows, creating my own graphics, hosting my own workshops and events.

Five: Trying to offer my best. Sometimes people are all about money that they will offer the bare minimum in services. I want to exceed those expectations and deliver quality and value which sometimes sees us losing more than we gain.

Six: Navigating judgments of others sees me overwork to compensate for the unrealistic expectations of others.

Seven: Lack of funding and support means me, and my team are using our own resources and funds and burning ourselves out to do so.

These are just some of the factors that contribute to a gradual build-up of stress, exhaustion, and eventually leading to burnout.

Recently I was burnt out again, emotional and I felt deflated. I was also under a lot of pressure to attend countless meetings, beat deadlines, run events and deliver high-quality sessions and programs under the Maia Dreams banner. I started to feel like I was constantly running on empty. I was irritable and frustrated and I felt a deep sense of injustice and lack of support from the people who I believed should support us and had the means to but didn't. It was disheartening to feel like our efforts were going unnoticed and unappreciated, especially when we were putting in so much effort and dedication to serve our community. I believe that having a strong support system is crucial in preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It would have been immensely helpful to have someone acknowledge our hard work and provide the necessary support and resources to help us succeed. I also felt a lot of entitlement from many around me and a lack of appreciation which had me worker even longer hours try to help people.

After experiencing this burnout, I've realized the importance of putting myself first and prioritizing self-care. It is time to put me first instead of everyone else and use my skills and talents to start to succeed for me and my daughter. I don't want to give up my business or other opportunities, so big changes are and have to happen. I am starting to look at my personal goals, business goals, talking to my friends, family and my staff about what to do moving forward. A change is coming and one I more excited about.

If you're feeling burned out, it's important to seek help. Talk to a therapist, a friend, or a family member. There are also many resources available online and in your community. Don't suffer in silence. There is help available.

How can one prevent burnout?

• Set realistic expectations for yourself. Don't try to do too much at once.

• Learn to say no. It's okay to turn down requests if you're already feeling overwhelmed.

• Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.

• Make time for relaxation and hobbies. Do something that you enjoy that helps you to de-stress.

• Get enough sleep. When you're well-rested, you're better able to cope with stress.

• Eat a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods gives you the energy you need to get through the day.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall mood.

• Talk to someone you trust. Talking about your problems can help you to feel better and develop coping strategies.

It's important to prioritize yourself while working towards your goals. While it's admirable to have a strong work ethic, it's equally crucial to take care of your well-being to avoid burnout. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Take breaks, practice self-care, and make time for activities that rejuvenate you. As Eleanor Brownn said, 'Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.' So, keep pushing forward, but always remember to prioritize yourself along the way."