By Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW, CSE
While sitting on your bed, eyes closed, you initiate a heavy sigh as you consider picking up your crochet hook to start a new project, again. Sadly, you understand you simply can’t tolerate making more stitches, even if it was just one more time. The morning pause allows you to reflect on the past months, or years, during which you have spent your time committed to an activity, duty, or job. Time can alter our more intimate and committed feelings toward the things we participate in, which were once enjoyable or challenging, yet have now become burdensome and daunting. Upon opening your eyes and placing your head in your hands, you realize the day you were trying to avoid is finally here: burnout has set in.
As a licensed clinical social worker for over 20+ years, I remind those clients I work with that we have all experienced some level of stress or trauma. These experiences have effects on both our mind and body simultaneously, so we consider ways to help overcome these effects and reclaim our power. Whether you are reading this while sitting on the side of your bed or trying to find the energy to get up and start your day, let’s discuss how to make space for the coming shift. Next, we will learn about what constitutes burnout and then explore some steps to help you regain a sense of power, enabling you to make more informed decisions that promote alignment for your own wellness and return to a sense of balance.
