Are you Burnt Out but do not know what to change?
Burnout from work is well known but how often do we consider we are burnt out from parenting, and work, and being a partner, and a family member, and a friend? You know your tank is empty but there just does not seem to be minute more you can squeeze in for yourself without creating more work in the long run, and anyway, you’d feel guilty taking time for yourself. Have you had that thought…
“I just want to hop off this bullet train for a day or two.”
Through Counselling we would explore, why do you feel guilty? We would consider where is your partner and do you trust them to do the jobs you are managing at home? I would ask you to consider when was the last time you put yourself first? Together we would reflect on when and who influenced your core beliefs about being a working parent and your role within an adult partnership?
Realising something is not working is your first great step in creating change - this you can feel proud of, not guilty. The next step is a little more tricky - answering the question…
“What is it you need?”
If you do not know where to start, or cannot consider what would recharge your battery, consider the following and ask yourself ‘What rating would I give this part of my life /10 based on how often do I give it attention?’
8 Dimensions of a Balanced Life
Wealth, Business, Work, Income
Learning, Training, Knowledge
Health (Physical Exercise, Diet, Rest)
Friends and Community (being connected)
Family
Romance and Intimacy (this is more than sex by the way)
Fun and Recreation
Spirituality, Identity, Personal Growth, Faith
The areas you rated highest, is it possible to accept they are ‘good enough’ and redirect your energy toward the areas you rated the lowest?
Now, in 30 seconds for each area, write what comes to mind, just single words. These will more than likely be the things you desire, value, miss, or wish for. For example: Family - eat together, picnics, holidays, conversation, helping, attention, interest.
Now you have started to identify what you want, next we think about how to get it. Counselling helps clarify the details of this task and how to do the next step while creating a mindset to understand why you might feel guilty and instead feel empowerment, confidence and pride.
