Lately, I’ve felt rotted by the quickness of social media. The rapid pace at which information travels on our apps can become all-consuming. It’s hard to halt these disruptions when the next one is only a simple swipe away.
It’s easy to get lost in these hasty narratives when they’re unfolding around us. Now, toward the end of the semester, my screen sees much more of me. I search for a reason not to work. I search for distractions, and sometimes even inspirations. Hopefully, I’m not the only one, or this article would be meaningless and possibly embarrassing.
When I’m in a slump, it’s hard to recall my whimsy. I have a passion for experiencing life and all it can possibly offer, but when this burnout rolls toward me, robbing me of vigor, I must realize and give myself grace.
I usually don’t take charge instantly; my deadpan behavior marinates for a moment until I realize how my negative attitude is really affecting me. Once I see how silly I’m being, I abandon my little light-up square filled with unrealistic beauty standards and news of all the wrongs within the world, and revisit my passions.
This little “getting back into your groove” thing can be simple if you let it. For me, writing, listening to music, reading, crocheting, touching the grass, basking in the sun, and drinking coffee are my reasons for getting up. I have to remind myself that these exist for me. They’re here to bring me back to myself.
In the seventh grade, I once told my teacher that I was having a hard time staying motivated. All she said to me was, “I bet it’s because your room isn’t clean, I hate everything about life when my space is messy.” And my goodness, was she right. That day, I went home and cleaned my entire space. I didn’t realize something so simple could alter how I had felt for days.
Beginning and ending your day in a cluttered and neglected atmosphere subconsciously weakens any interest in being productive. Various studies have shown that a clean space creates a clean mind.
Let’s first start your day by not restricting yourself from what brings you joy. Yes, sleeping in can feel nice, but so do those early morning hours to yourself. Open your windows and let in that beautiful light. Turn on the music and play your favorite tunes. It’s your show, set the stage.
Picking up your phone as soon as you wake up is easy, but it’s not essential. The false light, the stream of information, the vast connections – none of it can be good for you, right? Choose yourself first every time. Leave that dingy little rat alone. Make it a rule; an obligation.
For the rest of the day, make your phone a second priority rather than a first. You’ll get a call if it’s important, trust me. For now, let’s prioritize yourself. Your device and the people in it can wait.
Throughout your day, implement small victories to sweeten the deal. Maybe wear your favorite outfit or grab your favorite drink. We are the most important people in our lives. We determine our past, present, and future.
Our days depend on us – spending them in the quiet of our room might be what we need at the time, but later on, the confinements could become less welcoming. When you begin to feel drab, open your horizons to some small activities. Implement something new in your life; leave your room for only a few minutes for a walk, or even a drive. No need to think of a destination. Make sure you remember to get fresh air when going through your burnout.
At times, I’ll lose sight of what really brings me joy when I’m overcome with pressure. Once my work is done, or I have a window of time, I grab my journal and update this inanimate object with everything that’s been occurring in my life.
A journal is one of my key burnout escapes. I speak to it like a friend. When I think about myself ten years from now, I want her to know how far she’s come from her 20s. A journal is nice to have around to simply debrief. Your burnout could be fanned away by a simple page of expression.
I also like to spice up my life by going out. Not necessarily a party – but I mean, what couldn’t a glass of wine fix? However, what I’m referring to is going out for dinner or for a slow coffee. Being passionate about yourself is the key to prosperity. Oftentimes, we get blinded by convenience; it might be easier to stay in, but is it always beneficial to you? Being around other humans can remind you of the excitement everyday life can hold.
Lastly, enhance your days with a bit of gratitude. When the sun is out and you think it’s too hot, remember how cold winter was. When you don’t feel like getting up, remember how absolutely fortunate you are to experience life.
Being mindful of gratitude daily could add that bit of hope you once thought you lost during the last weeks of the semester. You are not your job, you are not your work, you are not your burnout. You’re beyond definition.
Finally, I’d like to say that it’s okay to wallow in your burnout and take the time to process what’s next for you. However, we are creatures of passion and pleasure. The moment you abandon those needs is the moment burnout may conquer.
