4 Ways to Ease Frustration When You’re Feeling Burned Out

Woweee!! It’s been exactly two months since I’ve written; that’s a considerable pause, the longest since I started this blog two and a half years ago.

First, it’s great to see you back here. It’s been so long because I haven’t felt inspired to write. Every time I think about what to write, my mind seems overloaded with information. After some reflection, I’ve realized that I’m feeling burned out. Can you relate?

I’m trying to accomplish too much, and I’m saying yes to too many things. I can feel the push-pull within myself all day long, and it’s exhausting.

I’ve fallen right back into the rat race. DAMN! I said I wouldn’t do that.

I also see it happening all around me. We’re longing for life to get back to normal, so we’re driving at full speed as if nothing ever happened. We haven’t gone through the grieving process.

When it comes to COVID, the world around us is forging ahead entirely in denial of the trauma we just experienced.

We lost so many little things we took for granted during the pandemic, like hugs, shaking hands, casual get-togethers, in-person meetings, dropping into a store or restaurant without a mask, and attending milestone events like weddings graduations, and funerals.

And while the world is moving forward full-force, many of us are going through our own grieving process and are moving at different paces and in different ways. This misalignment creates frustration, stress, resentment and, burnout.

I don’t have all the answers, but when you find yourself feeling this way, here are some things that work for me and might help you:

1. Meet people where they are, including yourself. When you feel the push-pull, take a step back and tune in. It takes more time and can be messy, but it creates space to make decisions you can feel good about.

2. Find compassion. If ever there was a time when we needed understanding, the time is now. Life didn’t stop during the pandemic, and many people lost more than we know. Take the time to ask questions that will help you understand someone else’s perspective. Don’t forget yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Think about, are you reluctantly being pulled to the next thing, or are you stepping into it with energy and positivity?

3. Assume that everyone is doing their best. No one wakes up in the morning and says to themselves, “I’m going to slack off today.” or “I’m going to cause stress to everyone I see.” If someone (including you) makes a mistake, misunderstands, or moves slower than you’d expect, Give them the benefit of the doubt. Go back to #2 and find compassion.

4. Don’t make any big decisions. I believe we’re in a time of transition. We’re finding our sea legs and getting re-acquainted with our version of the new normal. Anytime you’re in a time of change, it’s wise to put off any big decisions. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll have the clarity and the learning to make a more balanced and informed decision.

This, friends is all I have today. I’m hopeful that I will have renewed writing inspiration. However, I have permitted myself to let go of my expectation to write every week and instead come to you when a conversation, thought, podcast or book inspires me.

I hope that you’ll give yourself and others the same grace.

I’ll see you next time.

Plus, here are seven things that DO inspire me.

1. One of the best things I’m doing these days is taking 10 minutes to meditate with this beautiful soul. Find us on my Instagram feed every Tuesday at noon.

2. My friend Betti Russo and I believe deeply that great things happen when you know, like, and trust someone. Take a listen to our bi-weekly podcast.

3. Need a laugh? I mean, THIS will bring you to tears.

4. Are you adding these to your counter?

5. This company showered me with goodies. They support women, and I support them. Plus they’re products are awesome.

6. October is breast cancer awareness month. I’m raising money to support the Susan G Komen Foundation. I invite you to join me. You can donate here.

7. For all my curly girls, I love this product.

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