Burnout Made You Quit Work-Now What?
First, well done you! You have just quit your job due to Burnout. That’s brave, and honest, and shows you are very self-aware.
What a courageous Lady you are.
You might feel a little shell-shocked right now as you have just resigned but try to remember that it takes GUTS to quite your job. It really does.
Just as it will take guts to get you through your Burnout recovery.
But you can and will recover.
But, what happens now?!
You don’t know what’s going to happen next.
Although initially exhilarating to be liberated from a job you ended up hating, that you now don’t have one (through your own choosing (arguably)), it may also feel scary and unpleasant in your life, right now.
Also, nothing may make sense in your head.
But it will.
But for now, go with the flow and do whatever your body and mind tells you before you feel up to creating your own Burnout Recovery Wellness Plan.
The First Few Days
Chances are, you are an over-achiever, highly driven and are a strong and resilient person but have taken on too much over a prolonged period and suffered ongoing chronic stress as a result. And when this continues over a long time, Burnout happens.
Don’t be surprised if you can’t switch off, dream you are still working, ruminate, feel guilty for quitting, have poor sleep, feel elated, relieved, exhausted, a merry go round of different emotions- there are no positives they are just how you are feeling at the time. Tearful or even devoid of any true emotional connection.
So, you need some help!
Here are some strategies to help you along the first few days as you get over the shock of resigning and begin to slowly get used to your new way of living.
1. Quit the to do List and FAST!
Having anything in there will STRESS YOU OUT!
Get your diary out and cancel everything in there but what you feel are the absolute essentials.
2. Do NOTHING
Whatever your body wants to do, do it-eat sleep whatever. It’s important to go with the flow at this stage.
3. Watch/Eat/Drink Whatever Takes Your Fancy- TO BEGIN WITH
You may find yourself wanting to binge watch TV shows, eat pizza and ice-cream, drink red wine all night long.
It might not end up being the most beneficial self-care but whatever you feel makes you comforted will help you in the immediate aftermath ***(but you will need to switch to healthier methods of self-care very quickly)***
4. Get outdoors
Even if this isn’t your normal MO, just try it. Even just for a short bout of fresh air. The fact you are outside in a different environment, you won’t be able to help but notice your surroundings which will take you out of your ruminating thoughts.
5. Relax
Don’t TRY to relax as the act of trying expends energy and isn’t in any way relaxing. In fact, you probably won’t relax at all. Find activities that enable you to relax naturally (and if you don’t know any, then try something new).
6. Exercise
This cannot be under-estimated. Do exercise that raises your endorphins i.e., things that you enjoy no matter the type of exercise as long as you find it makes you feel good. This isn’t about raising your heart-beat, its about making you feel good inside.
7. Make a joy list
Make a list of 10 things that can bring you immediate joy. It can be anything! As simple as looking out of the window up into the sky, smelling the flowers on your desk (yes, treat yourself), staring into your pet’s eyes, having a cup of tea outside. Why not, listen to the birds, give your partner a hug, go watch the sunset. Joy can be brought in a number of quick and simple ways. And just in that moment, it’s an easy way to make your soul sing.
Remember, you don’t know exactly what will happen next, but sure as eggs are eggs, something will. In the meantime, just focus on doing nothing, relaxing in whatever way you are able, practicing self-care, getting outdoors, gentle exercise, making you feel great by creating a joy list. And finally, just clearing the diary and doing nothing in order to get the rest that you need.
P.S. Have faith that you’ll be fine. Because you will be x
