Burnout shows up differently throughout the year and looks different for every season. This is the first in a seasonal series on how to slowly heal from years of burnout.
Spring is almost here and I wanted to share how this winter season has become a turning point for me. Instead of pushing through and doing the “shoulds” my brain tells me to do, I’m intentionally slowing down and using this season to heal, reset, and rebuild. Burnout recovery is not linear, and Winter has offered me a chance to rest, reflect, and begin again.
Here are the ways I’m using this winter season to heal my burnout, gently and with intention.
Researching Burnout and Learning as Much as I Can
As I venture into becoming a coach, I know it is essential to continue educating myself on what I am teaching others. I know a lot, but I do not know everything and never will. Supporting others means learning beyond my own lived experiences and being willing to share information responsibly.
I have been learning through TED Talks, podcasts, and peer reviewed and scholarly articles. Burnout shows up in so many areas of life including work, relationships, family dynamics, and even travel. I want to understand burnout from as many angles as possible so I can better support others and recognize it in myself. I also want to implement some of the things I’m learning, like somatic exercises, so that I can share my experience with others so they may benefit from doing these practices.
This work can be heavy at times. Learning how to help people heal also means learning how to protect my own energy and notice when I am nearing burnout again. Being aware of my own signs of burnout allows me to show up more grounded and present for future clients.
Creating My Business With Intention and Sustainability
Rushing into building my business was never going to equal long term success or fulfillment. Before leaving my job, I started handling behind the scenes tasks like setting up my LLC, opening a business bank account, and creating realistic deadlines. On paper, I was doing all the right things.
What actually happened was that within the first week, I realized I was not honoring the original intention of this season, which was to rest. My body and mind needed time to reset, and instead, I jumped straight into another form of productivity.
There is nothing wrong with building momentum, but I needed to pause. I wanted to take a break and then follow my passions from a rested place. I laugh now thinking about how I ended up sleeping for essentially the first five weeks. The more business owners I spoke to, the more I understood this was normal. I also practiced getting comfortable with silence and boredom, and letting ideas come without forcing them.
While resting, I took notes when inspiration surfaced. When it felt right to begin again, I did so slowly and intentionally. I co-worked with other small business owners who all echoed the same advice. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to. It will come together as it should. And it has. Throughout these past few months I’ve been able to really niche down and see more of the path I’ve been walking down.
Sure, I’ve had breakdowns, but each time one comes up I allow those feeling to come to the surface, honor them, and then let them go. I’m becoming a new version of myself and releasing these emotions is vital to the success of my next steps.
Doing Cozy Hobbies Without Guilt
Resting has allowed me to return to hobbies I have always loved but never felt I had time for. I rewatched The Office back to back, which felt oddly comforting, and leaned fully into slow, cozy activities.
Puzzling became one of my favorite ways to spend time. On Christmas Day, I stayed in my pajamas, worked on a puzzle, and enjoyed being on my own schedule. I also started learning how to bake bread, something that always intimidated me. Working with yeast felt scary until a friend came over and taught me. Now I feel unstoppable. Salted honey focaccia or fresh cinnamon rolls anyone?
I returned to knitting as well, which my cat also thoroughly enjoys. I taught myself a new stitch and made two scarves, one of which will soon be sent as a gift.
The local library has also become my favorite third space. My friend and I often meet there to co-work, and my “to be read” list has grown very quickly. One goal I set for this year is to read every book I own. There are close to seventy books in my house, both read and unread, so wish me luck!
Honoring Winter as Nature’s Rest Season
As it is currently winter here in Michigan, and this one has been so, so cold, my desire to hibernate and rest increases. Nature has a beautiful way of reminding us that while time moves forward, it also invites us to pause.
Snow blankets the ground while we are encouraged to nest indoors with books, knitting projects, favorite shows, or comforting podcasts. I want to live more in alignment with the seasons, and right now, winter is asking me to rest.
Speaking Gently to Myself When Things Feel Hard
Having difficult conversations is challenging. Having them with yourself can feel even harder. Sitting in silence or practicing meditation is a great a way of bringing thoughts to the surface that demand acknowledgment.
Lately, I have been navigating conversations around health, how I want this year to look, and what I have or have not accomplished in my business. It has not been easy. Thankfully, I have a strong support system and friends in similar seasons of life, which helps me feel less alone.
When negative thoughts arise, I try to acknowledge them and then gently reframe them. I remind myself of what I have already done and that I am new to this lifestyle. This journey does not need to be perfect. The missteps are where learning happens. *Buying yourself a giant chocolate chip cookie when you’re at a breaking point also helps.
Slowing Down and Listening to My Body
I have been on a health journey for about two years now, and it has been challenging. I am focused on addressing root causes and exploring approaches that feel more aligned for me, rather than quick fixes or temporary solutions.
My goal is to become a healthier version of myself so I can be present for my friends, travel with more ease, and feel comfortable in my body. I am deeply proud of the progress I have made.
Now that I have slowed down and quieted my mind, I am better able to listen to what my body needs and respond with care. This process has also opened up a creative outlet for me, and I am excited to see what unfolds next.
-Sarah