Cycles of Replenishment
Do you ever feel burned out? How about right now?
Drained By a Cycle of Burnout
For many of us, the pace and circumstances of our life can leave us feeling depleted. Burnout is not a medical or mental health diagnosis – but most of us know it when we feel it. Typically, it leaves us feeling exhausted. Our excitement and zest for life fades and everything feels like a chore. Even the enjoyable things begin to feel like just one more thing to check off our list.
There are many factors that contribute to our feelings of burnout. Stress is the number one culprit. At work, some of the stressful things that may lead to burnout are lack of control, unclear or unrealistic expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, bullies, micromanagers, too many hours, and a myriad of other factors contributing to an unhealthy workplace. Stressful home dynamics that can lead to feelings of burnout include lack of time for self, high conflict, sameness without breaks, absence of healthy pursuits, feeling alone or isolated, and lack of connection with your spouse or friends.
Burnout is a painful experience, and it can bring many negative consequences into your life. According to the Mayo Clinic, the chronic stress and tension of burnout can lead to medical issues such as insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease and increased vulnerability to certain illnesses. The mental health fallout can be equally harmful and may move you toward anxiety and/or depression. There are many different symptoms but what most people notice first is simply a lack of enjoyment in life and an overall sense of weariness.
Does any of this sound familiar? Do you experience these dynamics in your homelife or workplace? If so, read on...
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
The answer to burn out is good self-care. Many people look at self-care as selfish, but it’s not. It’s actually one of the most important practices of our life to be a healthy spouse, parent, co-worker, or friend. If we are burned out, frazzled, and exhausted, we are not good for anyone. So, when I am working with someone in my office who is struggling with the feelings of burn-out we usually begin talking about cycles of replenishment. A cycle of replenishment is a thoughtful, purposeful plan for your typical day, week, month and beyond. It deliberately includes the activities, practices and habits that keep you personally energized for life, work, and relationships.
Creating a Cycle of Replenishment
How do you create a cycle of replenishment? I suggest four basic steps to my clients to get them started. Here they are:
1. Create a list of activities that replenish you. This list will look different for each person. For some, it’s quietly reading a book on the patio, for others it will be attending a concert or a long invigorating bike ride. Others find joy in creating a gourmet meal or baking a fresh loaf of bread. Take some time right now and write down ten things that bring you energy or pleasure in life.
2. Set goals for the time you desire to spend with the important people in your life. Who are the people you share life with? Who brings you joy and connection? This will usually include your spouse, children, best friends, and close co-workers. Again, make a quick list of names of those you want to make sure you are spending quality time with.
3. Decide what you will STOP doing. This is a crucially important step in the process of creating cycles of replenishment. When you are adding life giving activities and people into your life on a regular basis you must keep asking the question: What do I need to eliminate from my schedule? There is only so much time in a day or a week, so it’s important that you are saying yes to the people and things that are most important to you.
4. Create your ideal calendar. Once you have decided the activities and people that are important to you and the things you need to let go of, I encourage my clients to write out an ideal week. Where do you put it all? When do you spend alone times with your spouse or family time with your children? When do you connect with good friends? When do you spend time with God or do that activity that is life giving to you? Where does it all fit? Most of the time we are not able to make an ideal week work perfectly, we usually hit snags and interruptions, but it is very helpful to have a goal or a clear picture of where you are going.
I believe our life is a gift from God. It is up to us to live it well and have a life that is meaningful and purposeful. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” Burn out does not have to be your destiny. You can create cycles of replenishment to keep your life on a purposeful, meaningful, and joyful path. The staff at Renewing Life are here to help you with your journey.