Tips for Managing Burnout in the Age of Remote-Work & Zoom School

We are approaching one year of this pandemic mark. Pretty crazy, huh? Our approach to managing the events of last year is unique to us all. While we collectively have faced a period of challenges, restrictions, awakening and changes, how we cope and the path we walk is different.

Life as a working mother during the quarantine era has been challenging. This past week alone, I fully stepped into the role of SAHM with my boys still going to Zoom-school, a 2.5-year-old running around, a photoshoot, and running multiple businesses out of our home. Stay at home mamas, I see you! There have been multiple moments where I’ve wanted to scream or cry and wanted to hide away in my bathroom or closet just for some alone time. I know I’m not alone when I say, I’m just over it. 

When I start my day and feel flustered, overwhelmed, and not sure what to do, I typically know I'm burnt out. I've been through many of these burnouts in the past five to six years, but especially this past year. Living with intention and being fully honest and transparent with who I am, always brings me back to what matters. I've been working hard to be more intentional with how I start and end each day by checking in with my intuition and listen to what I NEED to feel good and in alignment with my true self. I also have a "joy" list written in my phone that I come back to whenever I feel myself spiraling or in a dark place. It really helps when I'm feeling frozen.

 

Are you facing the breaking point of burnout? Here are 5 common symptoms to recognize when you’re in a period of burnout.

• You’re constantly feeling tired, drained and worn out.
• You’re numbing to the outside world. Your energy and compassion for others are low.
• The work you are putting out is not at your best.
• You’re feeling that nothing you do matters.
• Your creative spark is low or non-existent.

If you’re feeling any of the above, you’re not alone. It’s hard to maintain a strong sense of self and balance when we are in a constant state of a pivot. I want to share some tools I’ve been using in my life to help manage this burnout in the hope it might help you too!

De-stress in the Kitchen and High Vibrational Foods

Cooking can be a wonderful way to relieve stress because it can help you focus your attention on something positive and nourishing. And if you’re like me, one of the first things you turn to to help ease stress and anxiety is food and SWEETS! As long as you check in with your intuition to make sure you’re actually hungry then absolutely enjoy a meal but make it one full of high vibrational fruits, veggies and superfoods. Baking, in particular, is a great kitchen activity for releasing tension because the unique sensations of working with dough and batters with your hands can get you out of your head and back into your body very quickly. Not sure what to make? Try your hand at some delicious baked goods, like these Gluten-Free Superfood Crescent Moon Cake Cookies with our Coconut Magic.

Try Alternative Therapies

A steady meditation practice is one of the very best things you can do to let go of stress in your life. It cultivates a deep inner peace and the ability to let distressing thoughts go instead of circling them obsessively. There are tons of different types of meditation practices, but even taking just a few minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can have dramatically positive impacts. You can also try aromatherapy or get a massage (or ask your partner for one) to help ease tension. 

Get Out in Nature and Move Your Body

There’s something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world that reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to simply be the best us we can be. Modern life worries feel so far away when you’re out on a hike or sitting on a beach listening to the ocean waves and that little bit of space can help make stressful situations seem much more manageable. It’s also important to see movement every day. Whether it’s a HIIT workout, yoga flow, run or strength training, try different things every day to feel what works best for you and your body. If you’re looking to try yoga, you can join my Live Intuitive Movement Class I host virtually once a month by signing up here: Livekick.com/sophie.

Sleep!

I’m really sensitive to my sleep and if I don’t get my average full night’s of sleep it will throw my entire day off or if there are days where I didn’t get enough sleep overnight then I will definitely take a delicious power nap during the day. Your body needs sleep and often when you’re burnt out this can be the reset you need. Drink some chamomile tea with Berry Bee Honey then slip into bed and sleep.

Seek Out JOY and Have a Dance Party 

The pandemic has put a strain on our excitement, passions and creativity. It’s harder to tap into that sense of joy, but not impossible! I’ve found my joy by shifting more into each present moment and appreciate the small moments of life these days. It can be as simple as ordering food from a local restaurant, watching a new episode from a good TV show, or spending time with your littles in their bright, beautiful world. When I’m burnout I LOVE to laugh and have a dance party. I dare you to try it! Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from the source of the stress for a few minutes, turn on your favorite beats, and rock out. It may not feel entirely natural at first, but if you allow yourself to connect with the music and really let your body express any pent up feelings through your movements, you just might find that you can completely turn your mood around in just a matter of minutes!