#71 Preventing burnout

I’ve just got back from watching my sister achieve a personal best in the London marathon. The emotions people feel when they complete such a challenge can be overwhelming.

Earlier this year, I experienced a very busy and stressful period in my life and felt quite overwhelmed.

It was temporary and had an end date, so I kept my head down and pushed through it. Sure enough, a week or so after it ended and spring started, I was in a much better physical and mental state. Nonetheless, it had a significant toll and long-term consequences.

Clarity around my values and subsequent decisions I’ve taken means there is little prospect of a repeat.

However, difficult episodes in life are primarily externally driven and, therefore, impossible to prevent completely. The best we can do is navigate them.

As a result, I’ve created a list of journaling prompts for such situations. Although created in the context described above, they can be used every day for general well-being. I'd suggest using them weekly.

1. How am I feeling?: What emotions am I feeling? How are they manifesting themselves physically and mentally?

2. What’s causing me stress?: What specific situations, tasks, or responsibilities are causing me stress?

3. Am I taking care of myself?: How am I caring for my physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Which self-care activities have I been neglecting lately?

4. Who can I turn to?: Am I utilising my support system for guidance, comfort, and assistance?

5. Am I setting healthy boundaries?: Am I setting and enforcing healthy boundaries with others to protect my well-being?

6. What matters most?: What truly matters to me in life? Are my actions and commitments aligned with my values, or am I spread too thin?

7. What am I grateful for?: What and who? Have I communicated this to them?

8. What changes do I want?: What changes would I like to make to feel more grounded and balanced? What steps can I take to move towards that vision?

9. Can I be kind to myself?: I’m doing my best; can I offer myself compassion and kindness?

Best, AJ.

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