Burnout is Emotional

Burnout is often more about emotion than it is about thoughts. We often try to problem-solve with our thoughts (myself included) while ignoring what is going on with the body and our feelings (emotions). Think of the words associated with burnout—exhausted, tired, frustrated, stuck, stressed, fatigued, etc. Those words have to do with how we are feeling. They often have to do with an emotional experience.
 
So, what do we do about it? Emotions have a shelf life. Nobody lives their life in one emotion. Experiencing different emotions is what helps us feel alive. So, with that in mind, I’d approach burnout with a game plan.
 
Step 1: Label your emotions. What is the specific feeling? Make sure that it describes exactly how you are feeling.
 
Step 2: Locate the emotion. Where is it living in your body? Once again, be specific here. When we know the location, we are in a better position to address the emotion.
 
Step 3: Helpful or hindrance? Decide whether the emotion is helpful or a hindrance. If helpful, lean into it. If a hindrance, decide what you want your relationship to be with that emotion. For some it might be creating space from it, for others it might be moving toward an action that can elicit a different emotion, and for others venting about it might be helpful. Choose your own adventure.
 
Step 4: Once you have clarity about the emotion, think into the future and decide what you’d like to be feeling 10 minutes from now, 10 months from now, and 10 years from now.
 
These steps will help you get clarity on what your burnout emotions are, where they are located, what to do with them, and what direction to head in.
 
Remember that burnout is emotional.
Act your way out of it.