Burnout- it’s inevitable. We’ve all faced the feeling- sitting at your computer, fingers hovering over your keyboard, at a loss of words. Putting on your sport shoes with dread. Filling your bottle for dance class with a sigh. But, we can reduce its grasp on the things we love. This is how!
First things first—self-care. Yes, I know you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s a cliché for a reason.
Everyone needs a little “me time” to recharge. Whether it’s indulging in a skincare routine, soaking in a bubble bath, or taking a mindful moment with a meditation app like Headspace or Calm, self-care is essential.
And don’t forget the basics—get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Apps like MyFitnessPal can help you track your nutrition and water intake, keeping you in check.
Feeling like you’re losing your spark? Sometimes, the best remedy is to step away. Take a break from whatever’s wearing you down, whether it’s work, a hobby, or even a fitness routine. Chances are, you’ll start to miss it during the break, and when you return, you’ll feel more passionate than ever. Use MindMeister or Daylio to map out your thoughts and explore new ways to approach the things you love, sparking fresh ideas and inspiration.
But what if you can’t afford to take a break—say, from your academics or job? No problem! There are plenty of ways to make even the most mundane tasks more interesting.
For your studies, try using colorful highlighters, sticky notes, and tabs—apps like GoodNotes or Notability can digitally replicate this on your iPad, making note-taking more enjoyable. Or, mix up your study techniques by exploring platforms like Quizlet or Anki for fun, interactive learning. Or, even just pretend you’re the main character in a TV show like Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. Again- as cliche as it sounds, ‘romanticizing’ whatever it is you’re pursuing from the beginning can prevent you from burning out.
Now, let’s talk about how to manage burnout if you’re already feeling overwhelmed:
Start by making a massive to-do list—whether on paper or digitally. I personally love using Notion for this because it’s super versatile. You can create detailed notes, to-do lists, databases, and even project boards, all within a customizable and user-friendly interface. If you prefer something more visual, try Trello, which uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and projects. And for a straightforward approach, Todoist is fantastic for managing tasks with due dates, labels, and productivity tracking.
Once you’ve got your tasks listed, break them down day by day. Apps like Google Calendar are perfect for organizing events and reminders, and you can even color-code tasks to make your schedule look aesthetically pleasing. If you’re into time blocking, give TimeBloc or Plan a try. These apps help you structure your day, making it easier to focus on one task at a time.
But remember, be realistic with your task distribution. Don’t overload yourself—burnout recovery takes time. Follow through with your routine, but also give yourself permission to disconnect.
Need a break? Watch or read something comforting—if you’re looking for book recommendations, click here! Or, literally, go outside and touch some grass—seriously, spend a few minutes in nature and soak in the details you usually overlook. Engage in something that creatively fulfills you, like choreographing a dance to your favorite song, or even just doodling in an app like Procreate.
And if all else fails, it’s time to bedrot- my favorite remedy. Sit in bed with your fluffiest blanket, ice cream, chocolates and the trashiest tv show you can find, and rot. I won’t recommend doing this for long, but a few hours won’t hurt, especially if you feel less stressed afterwards!
Remember, burnout doesn’t have to control your life. With the right tools and a little bit of self-love, you can keep that spark alive.
Comments