Burnout sounds like Destruction
Late pandemic jargon includes the word burnout frequently. Burning anything except marshmallows is not good and even my marshmallow only needs a little singe. Burnout occurs at varying rates to people for different reasons. If your pandemic duties multiplied suddenly and you became a full-time supervising parent, housekeeper, teacher and were still expected to perform your usual work duties from home, there should be no surprise that your outlook on life could change. That’s a lot of real jobs with real tasks that require some training and time to complete. But society tells us that we are resilient and there was an understanding how necessary it was to keep everyone safe while trying to go about like life didn’t just go completely off the rails. Overwork leads to stress which has the side effect of burnout when the fire can’t stay lit.
Compound Burning
When tasks stack up, there is a compound effect. Bad decisions can add up quickly and multiply the effect. Attempting to be all things to everyone is a great deal to ask. Constantly adding to the need to do the right thing can add personal stress due to not feeling qualified. We like to think we are capable of multi-tasking, but omni-tasking is not a normal option. It is easier to give up on some tasks that seem too complex. That’s the rational brain trying to assist us in decision making. It can become acceptable to complete what absolutely needs to be done and feel pretty good about it. Our self-talking brain defends this by reminding us that no one could possibly be expected to keep up. The brain provides protection services to maintain comfort.
Elevator Up or Down
When bad habits start, they are like bad decisions. They seem harmless. But as they are repeated, they compound the effect and repetition solidifies the pathway that the brain creates. Bad habits that are repeated time after time become destructive. Although it is never our intention to self-destruct, common habits for the use of smart devices, binge-streaming, overdrinking, overeating or any excessive habit that is not constructive becomes extremely hard to change. Excuses pile up, money is spent without thought, physical health gets negatively affected and getting to the burnout phase brings a lot of head drama. Continuing these habits decreases the chances of escaping them.
Slow the Burn
Just like bad habits, good ones start out without a lot of effect. When incorporating a new good-for-you-habit into life, there is actually a tendency toward overemphasis on it and the possibility of creating a little campfire burnout. It’s exciting to do something good for ourselves. It might be better to compound that feeling of self-care to replace some regret associated with other routines. Constraint can be a great flirty friend. If you hold yourself to a specific time to read, or walk or meditate, you may want to keep going because it was pleasurable. Holding to the plan creates the habit. You will really look forward to the next time you “get” to experience it. And small changes usually don’t take up as much of our determination. That 1% improvement plan will compound over time without immediate notice. So, try a little something. See what happens.
What one habit can you swap out with one better choice? Ask your changing self to notice even small improvement. Did pandemic responsibilities change your habits?
