Sorry for the hiatus… burnout is real

Now that over three years have passed since the world began going into COVID-19 lockdowns, I have found that re-engaging with those activities I did before has led to worsening stress and burnout.

I found that I simply don’t take the time to relax and breathe and just *be*.

So I did a little research into the phenomenon and this is what I found:

Why Doing Things After COVID Lockdowns Leads to Burnout

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives, both physically and mentally. After two years of lockdowns, social distancing, and quarantine, many people are eager to get back to doing the things they love. However, this excitement can quickly turn to burnout if we’re not careful.

There are a few reasons why doing things after COVID lockdowns can lead to burnout. First, we’ve been through a lot. The pandemic has been stressful, isolating, and uncertain. We’ve had to make major changes to our lives, and we’ve had to cope with a lot of loss. This can take a toll on our mental and emotional health.

Second, we’re out of practice. For three years, we’ve been limited in our activities. We’ve had to cancel plans, stay home, and avoid social interaction. As a result, we’ve lost some of our social skills and our stamina for doing things.

Third, we’re trying to do too much too soon. We’re eager to make up for lost time, so we’re trying to cram as much as we can into our schedules. This can lead to overscheduling, which can be a major source of stress.

So, what can we do to avoid burnout after COVID lockdowns? Here are a few tips:

• Start slowly. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Gradually increase your activity level and social interaction.
• Listen to your body. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Don’t push yourself too hard.
• Take care of your mental health. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
• Connect with others. Social interaction is important for our mental health. Make time for friends and family, even if it’s just a quick video chat.
• Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no to things. Don’t feel like you have to do everything that’s being offered.

It’s important to remember that burnout is a gradual process. It doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take steps to address the issue before it becomes a major problem.

Here are some additional tips for avoiding burnout after COVID lockdowns:

• Be realistic about your expectations. Don’t expect to be able to do everything you used to do before the pandemic. It takes time to adjust to a new normal.
• Find new ways to relax and de-stress. This could include things like yoga, meditation, spending time in nature, or reading.
• Seek professional help if you need it. If you’re struggling to cope with burnout, talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress.

My take aways:
1. Remember, you’re not alone. Many people are struggling with burnout after COVID lockdowns.

2. By taking care of yourself and listening to your needs, you can avoid burnout and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

3. Remember to breathe and to listen to stillness.